The Yemeni presidency warns the Southern Transitional Council against restricting movement in Aden

The Yemeni presidency issued a strongly worded warning to the Southern Transitional Council against continuing practices that restrict the movement of citizens in the interim capital, Aden, stressing that freedom of movement is a right guaranteed by the constitution and the law to all Yemenis without exception. This warning comes at a time when the city is experiencing intermittent security tensions that are affecting the smooth flow of public life and the movement of travelers.

Presidential sources affirmed that any arbitrary measures targeting citizens based on their identities or geographic origins constitute a blatant violation of civil rights and a clear contradiction of the existing political partnership commitments within the Presidential Leadership Council. The Presidency stressed the necessity for all military and security formations in Aden to adhere to the directives of the Supreme Security Committee and to unify security decision-making to ensure the stability of the interim capital.

General context and political background

These warnings are particularly important given the complex situation in Aden since it was declared the temporary capital of Yemen following the Houthi militia's coup and takeover of Sana'a. Since the signing of the Riyadh Agreement in November 2019, which aimed to bridge the gap between the legitimate government and the Southern Transitional Council, the integration and unification of security and military forces under the Ministries of Interior and Defense continues to face significant challenges on the ground. The agreement, and the subsequent Riyadh consultations that led to the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022, stipulated the need to normalize the situation in the liberated areas and facilitate the movement of citizens and goods.

Importance and expected impact

The issue of freedom of movement in Aden carries extremely serious humanitarian and political dimensions that extend beyond the local level:

• On the humanitarian and local levels: Aden is currently the main gateway for Yemenis, with Aden International Airport serving as the primary air route for patients, students, and travelers from various governorates, including those under Houthi control. Any restriction on movement deprives thousands of citizens of their basic rights to travel, medical treatment, and obtaining official documents.
• On the political and national level, these practices deepen social divisions and fuel regionalism, weakening the internal front against the Houthi project. Furthermore, the continuation of these transgressions presents the Presidential Leadership Council with a true test of its ability to assert its authority and manage disagreements among its constituent groups.
• Internationally, the international community and the United Nations are closely monitoring the situation in Aden, as the stability of the interim capital is considered a key indicator of the success of peace efforts. Security disturbances are hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid and the work of international organizations based in Aden.

In conclusion, the Yemeni Presidency called for prioritizing the supreme national interest and refraining from unilateral actions that could undermine efforts to restore the state, stressing that Aden should be a home for all Yemenis and a model for coexistence and the application of the law.