Well-informed political sources have revealed intense diplomatic activity and demands from the Yemeni side to the authorities in Abu Dhabi, aimed at allowing Major General Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council, to leave the United Arab Emirates. This news comes at a time of sharp political tensions within the Yemeni government, raising questions about the nature of the relationship between Yemeni factions and the Arab Coalition during this sensitive period.
Who is Major General Faraj Al-Bahsani? And what is his importance?
Major General Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani is one of the most prominent military and political figures in the current Yemeni landscape. He served as governor of Hadramawt Governorate and commander of the Second Military Region before being appointed to the Presidential Leadership Council, which was formed in April 2022. Al-Bahsani carries significant strategic weight due to his affiliation with Hadramawt Governorate, the largest and richest governorate in Yemen in terms of oil resources, making his actions and positions closely watched by all local and regional parties.
Political context and challenges of the Presidential Leadership Council
These demands come amidst exceptional circumstances facing the Presidential Leadership Council, headed by Dr. Rashad al-Alimi. Since its formation as a replacement for former President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, the council has faced significant challenges in unifying its disparate factions, whose loyalties are divided among various political and military currents. Observers suggest that restricting the movement of any council member may reflect deep disagreements regarding the handling of sensitive issues, particularly those related to the situation in the southern and eastern governorates.
Hadhramaut: The linchpin in the conflict
The case of Major General Al-Bahsani cannot be separated from the escalating power struggle in Hadramawt Governorate. The governorate is witnessing political competition between multiple projects, most notably the Southern Transitional Council's project, which seeks to incorporate Hadramawt into its sphere of influence, and the "Hadramawt National Council" movement, supported by other forces that consider the governorate's independence a paramount necessity. Al-Bahsani is a key player in this equation, wielding considerable military and tribal influence, making his presence, whether inside or outside Yemen, a significant factor in tipping the scales in favor of one side over the other.
Expected effects on interrelationships
The continued talk of preventing or restricting the movement of high-ranking Yemeni officials could cast a shadow over the strength of the alliance between the Yemeni government and the Arab Coalition. Analysts believe that resolving these issues through quiet diplomatic channels is the best option for maintaining the cohesion of the anti-Houthi front and ensuring that liberated areas do not descend into peripheral conflicts that could hinder the comprehensive peace efforts sponsored by the United Nations and the international community.
