Yemenis: The Saudi position is crucial for protecting legitimacy and stability in Yemen
A broad spectrum of the Yemeni community residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its deep appreciation and support for the firm and responsible stance taken by the Saudi leadership regarding the recent developments in the Republic of Yemen. Several residents affirmed that the recent Saudi actions embody the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting constitutional legitimacy and standing as a bulwark against any attempts to infringe upon Yemen's sovereignty or threaten its territorial integrity, noting that Riyadh has been and remains a true support for Yemenis in their time of need.
Historical context and ongoing support
This Saudi stance is a continuation of the Kingdom's historic role since the launch of the Arab Coalition's operations to support legitimacy in 2015. The Kingdom has led political, military, and humanitarian efforts to end the coup and restore state institutions. Saudi policy in Yemen is based on three pillars: the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216. These pillars guarantee a unified and stable Yemen, free from the divisive agendas and small-scale projects that could fragment Yemeni society.
Details of the Saudi position
Speaking to Al-Youm newspaper, residents praised the explicit call made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates to immediately comply with the legitimate Yemeni government's demand for the withdrawal of Emirati military forces from Yemeni territory within 24 hours and the cessation of all forms of financial and military support to any parties operating outside the authority of the state. The residents considered this step a victory for the rule of law and international law, and a confirmation of the Kingdom's respect for the will of the legitimate Yemeni government.
Reactions to the decision among Yemenis
Ahmed Al-Ahdal described the Saudi position as "historic, decisive and unambiguous," noting that the Kingdom has once again demonstrated its complete allegiance to the Yemeni state institutions and its rejection of parallel or outlawed entities, which enhances the chances of restoring stability in the region.
For his part, Yemeni journalist Mustafa al-Qutaibi a scathing attack on the practices witnessed in the southern governorates, asserting that supporting armed groups outside the framework of the Yemeni Ministries of Defense and Interior constitutes blatant interference that harms the security of neighboring countries and obstructs peace efforts. Al-Qutaibi added, "These actions completely contradict the declared objectives of the Arab Coalition and serve the agendas of partition, which the Yemeni people categorically reject."
The importance of regional stability
Observers believe that preserving Yemen's unity and the stability of its legitimate institutions is not only in Yemen's interest, but also a pressing necessity for regional and international security. Continued chaos or support for secession could transform Yemen into a permanent hotspot of tension, threatening international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Therefore, the recent Saudi stance is seen as a strategic move to thwart any projects that could lead to the "Lebanonization" of Yemen or the replication of the armed militia models that have devastated other countries in the region.
Future aspirations
Akram Al-Shaalan affirmed that Saudi Arabia's alignment with the will of the Yemeni people restores hope for the possibility of imposing a just and sustainable political solution, saying, "Saudi Arabia has proven that it stands with a unified Yemen and rejects the policy of imposing a fait accompli by force." Mona Al-Sayyadi , pointing out that support outside the framework of legitimacy only breeds chaos, and considering the Kingdom to be the true "safety valve" for Yemen's future and unity.
