Al-Khanbashi: Hadhramaut rejects the guardianship of Al-Zubaidi and the UAE
In a significant development in the political landscape of southern Yemen, a prominent Hadrami leader issued a fiery statement asserting that Hadramawt Governorate has turned the page on subservience, declaring its complete liberation from what he described as the "tyranny" of Aidarus al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council, and the "domination" of the United Arab Emirates. These statements are poised to reshape the political map of Yemen's largest oil-rich governorate and raise serious questions about the future of alliances in the liberated areas.
Context of the conflict: Hadrami identity versus the Transitional Council project
Al-Khanbashi's statements cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader political movement that has been unfolding in Hadramawt Governorate for some time. The governorate, which represents the largest economic and geographical center of gravity in Yemen, has witnessed significant social and political activity over the past two years aimed at forging an independent "Hadrami identity," distinct from the "secession" project championed by the Southern Transitional Council. This stance culminates a series of political tensions, as a broad segment of Hadrami elites believe that the Transitional Council's project seeks to annex Hadramawt as an appendage of Aden. This is rejected by tribal and political groups that advocate for an independent Hadramawt region within a federal state, or for a special status that guarantees the governorate the ability to manage its own resources and wealth independently of the central government.
The regional role and its effects on the local scene
These statements gain significance from their explicit reference to the Emirati role. Regional influence in Yemen has long been a subject of intense debate, with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) viewed as a strategic ally of the UAE in the region. The language of "liberation from hegemony" indicates the desire of Hadrami factions, most notably the Hadramawt National Council, to forge balanced relations with the Saudi-led Arab Coalition, free from direct tutelage that might impose agendas incompatible with the aspirations of the province's inhabitants. This shift suggests tacit support from other regional powers seeking to curb the STC's eastward expansion, potentially turning Hadramawt into an arena for settling complex political scores.
Strategic importance and implications of the event
The gravity and significance of this situation lie in the weight Hadramawt carries; it is not merely a province, but a reservoir of oil and water, and a vast geographical area connecting Yemen to Saudi Arabia and Oman. Declaring "liberation" from al-Zubaidi's influence practically complicates the Southern Transitional Council's efforts to unilaterally represent the South in any future UN-sponsored peace negotiations. This stance also strengthens the position of the Presidential Leadership Council and the legitimate government in creating a balance of power that prevents any single party from monopolizing decision-making in the South. Locally, this escalation could lead to further sharp polarization within Hadramawt society between supporters of the Transitional Council and those committed to Hadramawt's independent decision-making, thus placing the province before sensitive political and security challenges in the coming period.
