Yemen is getting its affairs in order with Saudi support to restore the state
The Yemeni political scene is witnessing intense activity aimed at restructuring internal affairs, with direct and ongoing support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in an effort to unify ranks within the legitimate government. These moves are part of a comprehensive strategy that aims first and foremost to achieve consensus in the liberated southern governorates, a necessary foundational step towards the larger goal of restoring the state in the northern regions and ending the coup.
The importance of southern consensus as a cornerstone of stability
The Yemeni leadership, represented by the Presidential Leadership Council, recognizes that the stability of the southern governorates, particularly the interim capital Aden, is the cornerstone of any future military or political action. Current efforts are focused on overcoming obstacles to implementing the military and security aspects of the Riyadh Agreement, sponsored by Saudi Arabia to bridge the divide between various Yemeni factions. Unifying military and security command in the south not only strengthens the state's authority but also thwarts any attempts to destabilize the country, allowing the government to focus on development and service projects that directly impact the lives of Yemeni citizens.
The Saudi role: a political umbrella and developmental support
Saudi Arabia's role in this matter is not limited to the political and diplomatic spheres; it extends to significant economic and developmental support. The Kingdom, which leads the Arab Coalition, plays a pivotal role in bridging the gaps between Yemeni parties to ensure the cohesion of the internal front. This support is complemented by projects under the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, as well as financial deposits provided to the Central Bank of Yemen to support the local currency, thus underscoring Riyadh's commitment to supporting Yemen in all areas until its recovery.
Historical context and challenges of state restoration
Looking back at the historical context of the crisis, Yemen has been experiencing instability since the Houthi militia coup in the fall of 2014, leading to the fragmentation of state institutions. The formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022 marked a pivotal turning point, aiming to transfer power and unify all anti-Houthi forces under a single umbrella. Current efforts are a continuation of this process, as observers believe that any progress in the effort to retake Sana'a and the northern provinces hinges entirely on the success of the model implemented by the legitimate government in the south.
Regional and international impact
These arrangements have garnered significant regional and international attention, as the international community views Yemen's stability as integral to regional security and international navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The success of Yemenis in overcoming their internal differences and focusing on restoring the state and its institutions will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the prospects for comprehensive peace and diminish the external influence that militias are attempting to consolidate to serve agendas that are not in the national interest, thus restoring Yemen to its natural role as a stabilizing force in the Arabian Peninsula.
