The council of eastern Yemeni provinces demands the liberation of Shabwa and Socotra
In a significant development in the Yemeni political landscape, the Council of Eastern Yemeni Provinces issued an official statement demanding the completion of what it termed the "liberation" of the Shabwa and Socotra governorates. This demand highlights the complexities of the situation in the liberated areas and reflects the growing calls for fair and independent representation for the eastern provinces, free from the sharp polarization plaguing the Yemeni political scene.
General context and historical background
To understand the dimensions of this demand, one must return to the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference held in Sana'a (2013-2014), which approved the division of Yemen into six federal regions, including the "Hadramawt Region," comprising the governorates of Hadramawt, Al-Mahra, Shabwa, and Socotra. Political and social elites in these governorates have long considered this division the optimal solution for managing their resources and local affairs. With the outbreak of war and the shifting balance of power, multiple political entities emerged, but the voice demanding the distinct identity of "Eastern Yemen" remained strong, rejecting central authority in either Sana'a or Aden, and clinging to a unified Hadrami, Mahri, Socotri, and Shabwani identity.
The strategic and economic importance of Shabwa and Socotra
This demand cannot be separated from the immense geopolitical and economic importance of the two governorates. Shabwa Governorate is a vital artery for the Yemeni economy, home to oil fields and the Balhaf liquefied natural gas facility, and serves as a crucial geographical link between the northern, southern, and eastern governorates. The Socotra Archipelago , on the other hand, enjoys a unique strategic location in the Indian Ocean at the entrance to the Gulf of Aden, making it a key control point for international shipping lanes, in addition to its environmental value as one of the most important natural World Heritage sites.
Expected effects on the political landscape
The statement issued by the Council of Eastern Yemeni Provinces carries profound political implications that could affect the cohesion of the anti-Houthi front. The demand to "liberate" these areas implicitly rejects the current military and administrative reality imposed by developments on the ground in recent years, specifically the events of June 2020 in Socotra and August 2022 in Shabwa. Locally, this movement could lead to a reshaping of tribal and political alliances in the east, presenting the Presidential Leadership Council with new challenges in ensuring consensus and unifying ranks.
Regional and international dimensions
Regionally and internationally, the stability of the eastern governorates is of paramount importance due to their significance for energy and maritime security. Any instability in these areas could negatively impact the peace efforts led by the United Nations and the international community. Therefore, these concerns may prompt international and regional stakeholders to reconsider the security and administrative arrangements in these governorates to ensure lasting stability, paving the way for a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen.
