The Saudi Defense Minister offers condolences on the death of Yemeni President Hadi in Riyadh
His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, conveyed the condolences and sympathies of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect them - to the family and relatives of His Excellency the former Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi on his death - may God have mercy on him.
During his meeting with the family of the deceased in Riyadh, His Royal Highness the Minister of Defense expressed his deepest condolences to them and to the brotherly Republic of Yemen, its leadership and people. He praised the late president's patriotic stances, characterized by wisdom and a commitment to the security and stability of Yemen and the fulfillment of its people's aspirations. His Royal Highness prayed to God Almighty to grant the deceased His abundant mercy and forgiveness, to admit him to Paradise, and to grant his family and the Yemeni people patience and solace.
Historical background and eventful career
President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi is a pivotal figure in modern Yemeni history. He assumed the presidency in February 2012 following the Yemeni youth revolution and under the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative, which ended the more than three-decade rule of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Hadi was supposed to lead a two-year transitional period paving the way for a new constitution and elections, but the deteriorating political and security situation has complicated matters.
His rule faced formidable challenges, most notably the Houthi takeover of the capital, Sana'a, in September 2014, which forced him into house arrest before he managed to escape to Aden and then to Riyadh. Since then, Hadi has led the internationally recognized Yemeni government from exile, and at his request, the Arab Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen was launched in March 2015 with the aim of restoring state authority and ending the coup.
The importance and impact of the event
The passing of President Hadi marks the end of a significant era in the Yemeni conflict. Domestically, his departure comes after he transferred his powers in April 2022 to the Presidential Leadership Council, headed by Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, a move aimed at unifying anti-Houthi forces and advancing peace efforts. Regionally, the condolences offered by high-ranking Saudi officials, including the Minister of Defense, underscore the deep historical ties between the two countries and the Kingdom's pivotal role in supporting the legitimate Yemeni government and seeking a comprehensive political solution to the crisis.
Internationally, Hadi represented the symbol of Yemeni legitimacy in international forums throughout the years of the crisis. This official Saudi stance demonstrates a continued commitment to supporting the current Presidential Leadership Council as the legitimate representative of the Yemeni people, and reaffirms the Kingdom's unwavering policy regarding the security, stability, unity, and territorial integrity of Yemen.
The meeting was attended by His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, Advisor to His Highness the Minister of Defense for Intelligence Affairs, and Mohammed bin Saeed Al Jaber, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Yemen.
