Southern leaders deny being detained in Riyadh and reveal details of the consultations
Official sources and southern Yemeni leaders have categorically denied recent reports circulating on social media and in the media claiming they were detained or had their freedom restricted in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. These leaders affirmed that their presence in the Kingdom is part of ongoing political consultations aimed at unifying the Yemeni ranks and bolstering efforts to end the crisis.
Context and timing of the rumors
Sources explained that such rumors often surface during sensitive stages of political negotiations, with the aim of creating confusion and sowing discord among the southern Yemeni public. The leaders emphasized that they enjoy the full respect and appreciation of the Saudi leadership, and that their actions are carried out within a framework of high-level coordination to support the peace process and stability in the liberated governorates.
Background to the Riyadh Agreement and ongoing consultations
The presence of southern leaders in Riyadh is a continuation of a long series of dialogues sponsored by Saudi Arabia, most notably the Riyadh Agreement signed in November 2019 between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council. This landmark agreement aimed to defuse military tensions in Aden and Abyan, restructure the government to include representatives from southern factions, and address military, security, and economic issues.
The Saudi role and the importance of unifying ranks
As the leader of the Arab Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in bridging the gaps between the various Yemeni factions opposed to the Houthi project. Riyadh is considered the primary venue for Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue, with Saudi diplomacy working diligently to bridge the divide between political groups and ensure a cohesive domestic front capable of confronting current challenges.
The strategic importance of the current consultations
These consultations are of paramount importance both locally and regionally. Locally, consensus between the southern factions and the legitimate government is essential for improving the deteriorating services in Aden and neighboring governorates, paying salaries, and halting the currency's decline. Regionally and internationally, the success of these consultations strengthens the prospects for reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis under the auspices of the United Nations, as stability in the south is a fundamental pillar of any future political settlement in the country.
