Bin Tahif: The Riyadh conference prevents the hijacking of the southern cause

Recent statements by Ben Taheef to the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper underscored the strategic importance of the Riyadh Conference in the Yemeni crisis, emphasizing that this pivotal event plays a crucial role in preventing any attempts to hijack or marginalize the southern cause in favor of other political agendas. These statements come at a time when the Yemeni arena is witnessing intense political activity, sponsored regionally and internationally, aimed at unifying ranks and ending the ongoing conflict.

The importance of the timing of statements and their political implications

These assurances are particularly significant given the sensitive timeframe the region is experiencing, as the international and regional community, led by Saudi Arabia, seeks a comprehensive and consensual solution to the Yemeni crisis. Bin Taheef points out that the Riyadh conference was not merely a fleeting meeting, but a pivotal moment that laid the proper groundwork for ensuring the Southern issue's presence as a key party and active partner in shaping Yemen's future, moving beyond the exclusionary practices of previous periods.

Historical background of the Southern issue

To understand the depth of Bin Taheef's argument, it is essential to return to the historical roots of the Southern issue, which is the cornerstone of any future political solution. Since the summer war of 1994 and its subsequent political and social repercussions, Southerners have consistently demanded redress for their grievances and the restoration of genuine political partnership. These demands crystallized more clearly with the launch of the peaceful Southern Movement in 2007, culminating in the recent political and military developments that have imposed a new reality on the ground that cannot be ignored.

Riyadh Conference as an incubator for political solutions

The Riyadh Conference and the consultations sponsored by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) represent a turning point in addressing the Yemeni crisis. This platform provided a safe environment for dialogue among the various Yemeni parties opposed to the Houthi coup. According to Bin Taheef, the conference's significance lies in its thwarting attempts by forces seeking to exploit the name of the South or speak on its behalf without a genuine mandate, thus ensuring that any solution stems from a genuine will and national consensus.

Regional and international impact and the future of peace

Ensuring that the Southern issue is not hijacked and is addressed within the framework of the Riyadh Conference will positively impact regional stability. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the coalition countries fully understand that lasting peace in Yemen cannot be achieved without a just solution to the Southern issue that satisfies the aspirations of the Southern people. Therefore, the outcomes of the Riyadh Conference constitute a roadmap aimed at unifying military and political efforts to confront shared challenges, while preserving the political rights of all parties. This strengthens the prospects for the success of any future UN-sponsored political settlement.