Yemen: Formation of a Supreme Military Committee to Unify the Army and Restore the State
In a strategic move aimed at restructuring the country and unifying military efforts, Yemen announced the formation of a Supreme Military and Security Committee, which enjoys the direct support and supervision of the Saudi-led coalition supporting the legitimate government. This pivotal decision comes at a sensitive time in the Yemeni crisis, as the Presidential Leadership Council seeks to integrate all military and security formations under the umbrella of the Ministries of Defense and Interior, to ensure the restoration of state institutions and end the long-standing divisions in the liberated areas.
Context of the committee's formation and political background
This announcement cannot be separated from the major political developments Yemen has witnessed recently, particularly since the transfer of power and the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022. The Council inherited a complex military situation characterized by multiple loyalties and armed formations in the southern, eastern, and western coastal governorates. The Riyadh Agreement, sponsored by Saudi Arabia, explicitly stipulated the need to unify and restructure these forces to ensure the stability of the interim capital, Aden, and the other liberated governorates, a matter currently being addressed by the Supreme Military Committee as a top priority.
Committee objectives and the role of the Arab Coalition
The Supreme Military Committee's tasks revolve around establishing a unified national military doctrine and ending the fragmentation of military decision-making. The Arab Coalition plays a pivotal role in this context, not only through logistical and material support but also through direct oversight to ensure all parties adhere to the integration and restructuring process. This joint effort aims to build a strong and professional national army capable of confronting security challenges, whether that involves restoring the state through military force or strengthening the legitimate government's negotiating position in any future UN-sponsored peace talks.
Strategic importance and expected impact
This move carries significant implications both domestically and regionally. Domestically, unifying the military and security institutions will contribute to restoring state authority and improving security, which will positively impact the deteriorating economic and service sectors. Regionally, the formation of the committee sends a strong message to the international community about the Yemeni leadership and the coalition's commitment to building a genuine state based on institutions, thereby strengthening international confidence in the legitimate government as the sole and reliable partner in combating terrorism and securing international waterways in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.
