Marib Governorate, the main stronghold of the internationally recognized Yemeni government in the north of the country, has witnessed intensified calls and concerted efforts by political, military, and tribal leaders emphasizing the need to unify the republican ranks and overcome internal differences in order to mobilize forces to retake the capital, Sana'a, and end the Houthi coup. These calls come at a sensitive time in the Yemeni crisis, amidst a political stalemate and intermittent military escalations.
General context and historical background of the conflict
These calls gain significance from the profound symbolism of Marib Governorate, which, since the Houthi group's takeover of the capital Sana'a on September 21, 2014, has been the last bastion of the republic and a refuge for millions of displaced people fleeing militia-controlled areas. Throughout the years of war, Marib has been a stumbling block to the Houthi project and a launching point for operations by the national army and the popular resistance. With the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022, hopes were raised for ending the fragmentation among anti-Houthi factions. However, the ongoing field and political challenges still necessitate a concerted effort to integrate all military formations and unify political decision-making.
The importance of unifying efforts and its expected impact
Observers of Yemeni affairs believe that unifying political and military efforts in Marib is not a luxury, but an existential necessity for restoring the state. The importance of this step lies in several key points:
- On the military level: Unifying command and control among the various military formations will change the balance of power on the ground, weakening the Houthis’ ability to maneuver on multiple fronts simultaneously.
- On the political level: Unifying ranks sends a strong message to the international and regional community that the Yemeni legitimacy is a single, cohesive entity, which strengthens the government’s position in any future UN-sponsored peace negotiations.
- On the economic and humanitarian level: Recapturing Sana'a and the areas under Houthi control will mean restoring state revenue institutions and alleviating the humanitarian suffering caused by Houthi levies, road blockades, and city sieges.
Regional and international dimensions
The developments in Marib are inextricably linked to the regional and international context. The Saudi-led coalition supports efforts to unify Yemeni factions to ensure the security and stability of Yemen and the region, and to safeguard international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, which face constant threats. Therefore, the success of these unification efforts in Marib would represent a significant step towards achieving regional stability and reducing Iranian influence in the Arabian Peninsula, in line with international resolutions, most notably Resolution 2216.
In conclusion, the ball remains in the court of the Yemeni political and military forces to translate these calls into concrete practical steps on the ground, moving beyond the stage of statements to the stage of organized military and political action that restores to the Yemenis their state and capital.
