Saleh's Presidency

Ali Abdullah Saleh was the President of Yemen from 1990 to 2012. He initially unified North and South Yemen, leading the country for over two decades. His rule was marked by efforts to modernize, but also by political repression, corruption, and economic challenges. Saleh maintained power through a mix of alliances and strong security forces, but faced growing protests during his later years. In 2011, inspired by Arab Spring protests, he was pressured to step down, transferring power to his vice president. His presidency significantly shaped Yemen’s political landscape, but also contributed to ongoing instability.