Presidential Leadership Council: The Southern Dialogue is a historic opportunity to unify ranks
The Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen warned against squandering the opportunity presented by the Southern National Dialogue, describing it as a "historic" opportunity that may not arise again to unify the political landscape and bridge the divide between the various political and social groups in the southern governorates. The Council emphasized that the success of this dialogue is a fundamental pillar for strengthening stability in the liberated areas and building state institutions on solid foundations.
The importance of unifying the home front
This warning comes at a sensitive time for Yemen, where the need for concerted efforts to address current economic and security challenges is growing. Observers note that the Southern Dialogue primarily aims to draft a national charter that unites the disparate southern political forces and ends the divisions that have prevailed in recent years, thus strengthening the position of the Presidential Leadership Council in managing the transitional phase and in any future comprehensive peace negotiations.
Historical context and ongoing efforts
Since the liberation of the southern governorates from Houthi militia control in 2015, the southern arena has witnessed numerous political tensions that have directly impacted the level of services and security. The formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022 was a pivotal step towards unifying all anti-coup forces under a single umbrella. The current Southern Dialogue is a natural extension and a necessary step towards completing the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement and the Yemeni-Yemeni consultations, with the aim of creating a safe and stable political environment in the interim capital, Aden.
Expected impacts locally and regionally
The importance of this dialogue extends beyond local affairs to encompass regional and international dimensions. Locally, consensus among southern factions will contribute to improving citizens' living conditions through currency stability, unified revenue streams, and the revitalization of state institutions. Regionally, stability in southern Yemen is integral to regional security and the security of international navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden, a position supported by the Arab Coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who consistently urge the rejection of discord and the prioritization of the supreme national interest.
In conclusion, the Council stressed the need for everyone to feel a sense of national responsibility at this critical stage, and to work as one team to overcome the obstacles of the past, stressing that the alternative to dialogue and consensus is chaos, which only serves the enemies of the nation and those who are lying in wait for its security and stability.
