Khalid bin Salman meets with Saleh's sons and discusses his impact on Yemen's future
In a move carrying profound political significance, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Defense, met with the sons of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh in Riyadh. During the meeting, His Royal Highness conveyed the condolences of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Prime Minister, to the family of the deceased, in a gesture reflecting the depth of the historical ties between the two countries.
Historical background and complex context
This move comes in the context of the protracted Yemeni crisis and gains significance from the pivotal role played by the late President Ali Abdullah Saleh in modern Yemeni history. Saleh ruled Yemen for over three decades, a period that saw the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990. However, his political career ended dramatically when he was forced to step down in 2012 following widespread popular protests. After the outbreak of the current war, Saleh formed a surprising alliance with his former adversaries, the Houthi movement, against the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Arab coalition supporting it. This alliance, however, did not last long. In December 2017, Saleh announced the dissolution of his partnership with the Houthis and called for dialogue with neighboring countries, which led to his assassination by them in Sana'a.
The importance of the meeting and its expected impact
This meeting cannot be viewed in isolation from the political and military developments in Yemen. It represents a clear Saudi message of support for unifying the republican front against the Houthi project. The General People's Congress party, founded by Saleh, is a major political force that still wields considerable influence in many Yemeni regions, and Saleh's sons, most notably Ambassador Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh, represent a continuation of this political and popular legacy.
Domestically, this move is seen as a significant boost to efforts to unify the political and military factions under the umbrella of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council. Attracting and activating the role of pro-legitimacy General People's Congress leaders is crucial for creating a balance of power on the ground and weakening Houthi control.
Regionally, this initiative underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategy of moving beyond military support to building robust political alliances capable of guiding Yemen toward stability. It also sends a message to regional powers that Riyadh is committed to finding a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis that guarantees Yemen’s unity and independence and prevents it from becoming a base for foreign influence that threatens regional security.
