Saudi efforts to unify forces in southern Yemen and implement the Riyadh Agreement
Saudi Arabia is intensifying its diplomatic and field efforts in the liberated southern provinces of Yemen, aiming to accelerate the normalization of the situation and unify military and security forces under the umbrella of the Ministries of Defense and Interior. These moves come within the framework of Riyadh's commitment to implementing the military and security provisions of the Riyadh Agreement, which is considered the cornerstone for ensuring stability in the liberated areas and unifying ranks in the face of current challenges.
Context of the Riyadh Agreement and Unifying Ranks
These efforts trace their roots to the Riyadh Agreement, signed in November 2019 between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council under Saudi auspices. The agreement's primary objective was to defuse military tensions in Aden and neighboring governorates and restructure the armed forces to prevent a recurrence of armed clashes. Despite the formation of a power-sharing government and the reinstatement of the Presidential Leadership Council, the integration of forces and the unification of military command have faced numerous logistical and political challenges, necessitating direct and sustained Saudi intervention to advance implementation.
The importance of unifying military forces
The process of unifying forces in southern Yemen is of paramount strategic importance, not only for Yemen but for the entire region. The existence of multiple military formations with varying loyalties and command structures weakens the state's ability to exert its authority and creates security gaps that could be exploited by extremist groups or the Houthi militia. The Supreme Military and Security Committee, supported by the Saudi-led coalition, is working to inventory manpower and equipment and redistribute operational areas to ensure the protection of the interim capital, Aden, and the security of international shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Impact of stability on living conditions
Saudi efforts are not limited to the military aspect alone, but are closely linked to the economic and service sectors. Those managing the Yemeni file understand that currency stability and improved basic services such as electricity and water in Aden and the southern governorates depend on a stable security environment. Therefore, normalizing the security situation is a prerequisite for the success of the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, for attracting investments, and for ensuring the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid.
Presidential Leadership Council support
These intensified efforts are part of the Kingdom's full support for the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, enabling it to effectively carry out its duties from within Yemen. Riyadh consistently affirms that a political solution is the best option for resolving the Yemeni crisis, and that unifying the internal front in the liberated areas is the first and essential step towards achieving a comprehensive and sustainable peace that will end the years-long suffering of the Yemeni people.
