Governor of Hadramawt: UAE withdrawal and the Southern Transitional Council's dialogue

In important statements that shed light on the political and military scene in Yemen, the governor of Hadramawt confirmed in his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the United Arab Emirates has already begun procedures to withdraw its forces from the governorate, while noting that channels of dialogue and communication with the Southern Transitional Council are still open, within the framework of seeking to unify ranks and enhance stability in the largest governorate in Yemen.

Context of withdrawal and military redeployment

This announcement comes at a time when the Yemeni arena is witnessing strategic shifts in the deployment of Arab Coalition forces. Observers suggest that this withdrawal likely falls under the umbrella of strategic "repositioning," with the aim of handing over security and military responsibilities to local forces that have been trained and equipped over the past years. It is worth noting that Emirati forces have played a pivotal role in Hadramawt, particularly since 2016, when they directly supported the Hadrami Elite Forces in liberating Mukalla and the Hadramawt coast from al-Qaeda, an event that marked a turning point in establishing security in the region.

The relationship with the Southern Transitional Council

Regarding internal political affairs, the governor emphasized that the local authority in Hadramawt maintains an open-door policy with all political factions, including the Southern Transitional Council. These statements underscore the importance of political dialogue as an alternative to conflict, particularly given the tensions witnessed in the southern governorates. Analysts believe that the Hadramawt local authority's openness to the Southern Transitional Council reflects a genuine desire to spare the governorate any peripheral conflicts that could affect its economic and social stability, especially since Hadramawt represents the economic heartland of Yemen, possessing significant oil resources and a vital geographical location.

Strategic importance and impact of the event

This event gains its significance from Hadramawt's strategic importance; it comprises a third of Yemen's landmass and serves as the country's economic lifeline. The successful transfer of full security responsibility to local forces following the withdrawal of Emirati troops will be a true test of the readiness of Yemeni national institutions. Furthermore, the success of the dialogue with the Southern Transitional Council could pave the way for a stable political model that can be replicated in the other liberated governorates, thus enhancing the prospects for comprehensive peace based on agreed-upon frameworks and the Riyadh Agreement, sponsored by Saudi Arabia, to unify efforts toward restoring the state.