Al-Alimi: State monopoly on weapons is necessary to unify the fronts in Yemen
Dr. Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen, stressed the necessity of the state's monopoly on weapons and its complete control over all theaters of military operations. He affirmed that this measure represents the cornerstone for restoring state institutions and ending the coup. These assurances came within the framework of the Presidential Council's efforts to unify the home front and enhance the combat readiness of the armed forces and security forces in all their formations, ensuring the integration of military operations under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff.
Context of unifying the military establishment
Al-Alimi's statements come at a sensitive time for the Yemeni conflict, as the Presidential Leadership Council, since its formation in April 2022, has been striving to overcome the challenges posed by the multiplicity of military formations in the liberated areas. The integration of forces and the unification of military command is one of the most important provisions of the Riyadh Agreement and the consultations on the transfer of power. These steps aim to end the fragmentation that the Houthi militias could exploit, and to ensure that the focus remains on the common enemy and the recapture of the capital, Sana'a.
The importance of the arms monopoly and its impact on stability
Al-Alimi's emphasis on the "state's monopoly on weapons" carries significant security and political implications at both the local and regional levels. Locally, restricting weapons to the state contributes to strengthening security and stability in the liberated governorates and reducing security breaches or side conflicts that may arise from the proliferation of weapons outside the legal framework. Furthermore, the existence of a unified national army enhances citizens' trust in the state and its ability to enforce the rule of law and protect national achievements.
Regional and international dimensions
Regionally and internationally, the Presidential Leadership Council's move towards institutionalizing military operations enjoys strong support from the Saudi-led coalition supporting the legitimate government, as well as the international community. Unifying the military and security institutions is seen as a prerequisite for the success of any future political process or potential military resolution. Observers emphasize that a unified, regular military force under central command strengthens the legitimate government's position in any future UN-sponsored peace negotiations and thwarts attempts by militias to destabilize the region and threaten international shipping lanes.
In conclusion, the emphasis on the unity of the theater of operations and the monopoly of arms represents a clear message that the current stage requires the concerted efforts of all and the rejection of differences, in order to ensure the achievement of the ultimate goal of restoring the Yemeni state and ending the suffering of the Yemeni people that has continued for years.
