Waddah Al-Hanbali: The solution to the southern issue begins in Riyadh – Details
In an exclusive statement to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Wadah Al-Hanbali asserted that the only genuine and realistic path to resolving the southern issue in Yemen lies through the Saudi capital, Riyadh. This statement reaffirms the established fact within the Yemeni political landscape that Saudi Arabia remains the pivotal player and the primary guarantor of any sustainable political settlements in the complex Yemeni conflict.
Riyadh's pivotal role in the Yemeni crisis
Al-Hanbali's statements gain significance from the current political and temporal context in Yemen. Since the outbreak of the crisis, Saudi Arabia has led the Arab coalition in support of the legitimate government, and its role has not been limited to the military aspect alone; it has also been the primary sponsor of diplomatic efforts. Riyadh is considered the political hub where the most important agreements were forged, most notably the Riyadh Agreement signed in November 2019, which laid the groundwork for unifying the ranks of the legitimate government and the Southern Transitional Council to confront shared challenges.
The Southern Issue: Historical Roots and Political Aspirations
To understand the depth of Al-Hanbali's discussion of the "gateway to a southern solution," one must consider the historical background of the southern issue, which is not a recent development but rather the product of decades of accumulated political and social factors. Southern Yemen has long sought a political formula that guarantees fair representation and genuine partnership in power and wealth. With the complexities of the current war, the South has become a significant factor in the equation, as southern forces control vast swathes of territory, rendering any political solution that ignores the aspirations of southerners inadequate and unworkable.
Regional and international dimensions of the solution
The insistence that the solution begins in Riyadh reflects a realistic assessment of the international landscape. The international community, including the United Nations and major powers, views Saudi Arabia's role as the cornerstone of regional stability. Securing international waterways in Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea, combating terrorism, and ensuring energy flow are all inextricably linked to the stability of southern Yemen. Therefore, coordination with Riyadh is not a luxury for southern forces, but a strategic imperative to secure regional and international support for their legitimate demands.
The future of peace in Yemen
In conclusion, this vision reflects a growing conviction among political elites that fragmenting efforts or seeking solutions outside the Saudi-led consensus will only lead to further complications. Unifying visions under the umbrella of the coalition and committing to the Riyadh-sponsored dialogue process is the shortest and safest path to achieving the aspirations of the people of southern Yemen, while simultaneously preserving Arab national security against foreign agendas that threaten the identity and stability of the entire region.
