Al-Alimi launches a strategic phase for the development of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra
Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen, affirmed the Council and the government's commitment to launching a new and pivotal phase in the national development process, focusing primarily on the eastern governorates, specifically Hadramawt and al-Mahra. This strategic approach is part of a comprehensive vision aimed at strengthening the presence of state institutions, improving the level of basic services, and addressing the imbalances that have accumulated over the past years as a result of the ongoing conflict in the country.
The geopolitical and economic importance of the eastern provinces
Al-Alimi's promises cannot be understood in isolation from the historical and geographical context of the Hadramawt and Al-Mahra governorates. These two governorates constitute Yemen's strategic depth, stretching across a vast geographical area and overlooking a long coastline on the Arabian Sea, granting them paramount importance in international shipping and trade. Historically, these regions have served as the economic lifeblood of Yemen, thanks to their natural resources of oil, gas, and minerals, as well as being a relatively safe haven that has received hundreds of thousands of displaced people from conflict zones, thus exacerbating the pressure on infrastructure and public services.
Phase priorities: services and empowering local authorities
The new phase announced by Al-Alimi revolves around transitioning from a state of emergency and crisis management to one of recovery and sustainable development. Data indicates that the highest priority will be given to the services sector, particularly electricity, water, and roads—sectors that have suffered significant deterioration, negatively impacting citizens' lives. Furthermore, the new approach includes granting broader powers to local authorities in these governorates, enabling them to manage their affairs and resources efficiently and transparently, thus reinforcing the principle of administrative decentralization, a key outcome of the comprehensive national dialogue.
Regional dimensions and international support
This presidential initiative is gaining significant momentum through continued regional and international support for the legitimacy of the Presidential Leadership Council. The Arab Coalition countries, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are playing a pivotal role in supporting this new phase through projects under the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, as well as other humanitarian and development initiatives. The stability of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra is not only in Yemen's interest but also essential for regional security, given their strategic location and their role in securing borders and combating smuggling and terrorism.
Challenges and hopes for the future
Despite the optimism surrounding these statements, the road ahead is not without challenges. The success of this phase requires the unity of all political, social, and tribal forces in the eastern governorates, and the prioritization of the supreme national interest over narrow political rivalries. The true measure of the Presidential Leadership Council's success in restoring the Yemeni public's trust and transforming these regions into a model of stability and prosperity for the rest of Yemen will be the implementation of the presidential promises on the ground.
