Al-Alimi: The southern movements are restoring the state and its institutions to their rightful place
Dr. Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen, affirmed that the movements and events unfolding in the southern governorates represent a cornerstone in the process of restoring the Yemeni state and its national institutions. Al-Alimi indicated that these efforts are inseparable from the broader context aimed at unifying the national ranks and strengthening the internal front in the face of the current challenges that have plagued the country for years.
Context of the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council and the importance of the interim capital
Al-Alimi's statements come at a sensitive time for Yemen, particularly since the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022, which resulted from the Riyadh consultations aimed at unifying forces opposed to the Houthi project. The southern governorates, foremost among them the interim capital Aden, are considered the political and military stronghold of the internationally recognized legitimate government. Since the liberation of these areas in 2015 with the support of the Arab Coalition, the state has strived to establish stability there. However, political tensions have consistently required concerted efforts to bridge divides and unify visions, which is what the Presidential Council is currently working on to ensure the efficient functioning of government institutions from within Aden.
The political and economic dimensions of strengthening the state in the south
Restoring the state's authority in the south is not limited to security and military aspects, but extends to economic and service sectors that directly impact citizens' lives. Stability in the south means stability in sovereign resources and securing ports and airports, which will positively affect the value of the national currency and improve basic services such as electricity and water. Observers believe that the success of the governmental model in the liberated governorates is the strongest practical response to the coup militias and a reassuring message to the international community and donors that Yemen is capable of recovery if a secure environment and effective institutions are in place.
Regional and international impact on the stability of the South
At both the regional and international levels, the stability of the southern governorates is of paramount importance due to their strategic location overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, two of the most vital waterways for global trade. Therefore, supporting the Presidential Leadership Council's efforts to extend state authority and enforce the rule of law in these areas is a matter of Arab and international national security. These actions underscore the Yemeni leadership's commitment to building a federal state that guarantees rights and freedoms and is an active partner in combating terrorism and securing international navigation, thus strengthening the legitimate government's position in any future comprehensive peace negotiations.
