Abdul Rahman Abu Zara'a al-Mahrami, a member of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, affirmed Saudi Arabia's support for political solutions in Yemen, emphasizing that Riyadh is addressing the Southern issue with complete openness and without imposing any preconditions or political limitations that would restrict the aspirations of the Southern people. These statements were intended to put an end to political speculation regarding the course of the final peace negotiations and the future form of the state.
Details of the Saudi position and strategic support
Al-Mahrami explained that Saudi Arabia, as the leader of the Arab Coalition, is well aware of the complexities of the Yemeni situation and the importance of the Southern issue as a cornerstone of any sustainable solution. He pointed out that Saudi support is not limited to military or humanitarian aspects, but extends to supporting the political process that guarantees the rights of all parties. He emphasized that the Kingdom has not imposed any preconditions regarding the final solution to the Southern issue, leaving the matter to agreements and dialogues that ensure stability.
Political context and formation of the Presidential Leadership Council
These statements are particularly significant given the current political context in Yemen since the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022 in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The council was formed to unify the anti-Houthi front and included prominent leaders representing the Southern Transitional Council, thus giving the southern cause an official dimension and implicitly acknowledging the need to include it in final negotiations. Al-Mahrami, who also commands the Southern Giants Brigades, is considered one of the most prominent military and political actors in this landscape.
Background of the Southern issue and its regional importance
The significance of this statement cannot be understood without revisiting the roots of the Southern issue, which emerged strongly after the 1994 civil war and grew with the peaceful Southern Movement, culminating in the formation of the Southern Transitional Council. Regional and international powers now view the South as a vital stabilizing factor in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden. Therefore, emphasizing the absence of “political ceilings” means opening the door to all democratic options acceptable to the people, which strengthens the chances of success for the UN roadmap for peace.
Expected impact on the peace process
This stance is expected to resonate widely in local and regional political circles, as it strengthens trust between the southern factions and the Arab Coalition. It also preempts attempts to cast doubt on the intentions of the regional sponsors of the political process. Observers believe that this clarity in the Saudi position will contribute to accelerating comprehensive political negotiations, as it assures southerners that their political rights are preserved and will not be disregarded in any future settlements with the Houthi group, thus supporting efforts toward regional stability and Arab national security.
