Al-Alimi praises Saudi and Emirati efforts to calm tensions in eastern Yemen
Dr. Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen, praised the tireless and ongoing efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to contain tensions and de-escalate the situation in Yemen's eastern governorates. This praise came as an affirmation of the fraternal role played by the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in maintaining the cohesion of the home front and unifying ranks to confront current challenges.
The pivotal role of the coalition in stabilizing liberated areas
Al-Alimi emphasized that the positive interventions by the brothers in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not limited to military support, but extended to include intensive diplomatic and political efforts aimed at defusing internal crises among the various Yemeni factions. These efforts come at a sensitive time for the country, as the political leadership seeks to steer the course toward restoring the state and ending the Houthi coup, making the stability of the eastern governorates, specifically Hadramawt, Al-Mahra, and Shabwa, a fundamental pillar of Yemeni national security.
The strategic importance of eastern Yemen
The eastern governorates of Yemen hold immense strategic and economic importance, serving as the country's oil reservoir and economic lifeline, in addition to their vital geographical location. Therefore, any tension or escalation in these areas negatively impacts the entire Yemeni landscape. Hence the importance of the Saudi and Emirati mediation efforts, which have worked to bridge the gaps between political and tribal factions and ensure that these relatively safe regions do not descend into chaos that could be exploited by those seeking to undermine Yemen's security and stability.
Context of forming the Presidential Leadership Council and unifying ranks
Returning to the political background, the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022 was a Gulf-sponsored initiative to unify all anti-Houthi forces under a single umbrella. Current de-escalation efforts are an extension of the Coalition's commitment to supporting this Council and enabling it to operate from the interim capital, Aden, and the liberated governorates. Maintaining consensus among the Council's constituent groups and the forces active on the ground is a cornerstone of the Coalition's strategy to ensure a strong negotiating position for the legitimate government in any future UN-sponsored peace talks.
Development and humanitarian support as part of the solution
The security and political tracks cannot be separated from the development track. The coalition leadership recognizes that security and stability in eastern Yemen pave the way for implementing development and service projects needed by Yemeni citizens. Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, and the UAE, through its humanitarian arms, have contributed to supporting the electricity, health, and education sectors in these areas, thus enhancing the prospects for social peace and reducing public discontent.
In conclusion, Al-Alimi renewed his call to all national forces to recognize their historical responsibility and rally around the Presidential Leadership Council, appreciating the genuine Arab stance of the countries of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy, which formed an impenetrable barrier against attempts to hijack Yemen and separate it from its Arab surroundings.
