RIYADH – The Yemeni House of Representatives has issued a statement praising recent Saudi Arabian efforts toward stability in Yemen, while simultaneously calling for the de-escalation of tensions with the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The parliament’s endorsement follows a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlining its continued commitment to Yemen’s security and the well-being of its citizens. This latest development comes amidst rising concerns about a potential escalation of conflict in the country, impacting regional Yemen peace efforts.
According to the Yemeni news agency, Saba, the House of Representatives affirmed its support for the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and its decisions, including the recent declaration of a state of emergency. The parliamentary body has specifically urged the STC to halt military movements and engage in political dialogue, underscoring the importance of maintaining a unified front in the face of ongoing challenges.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Yemen and the Escalating Tensions
Saudi Arabia has been heavily involved in Yemen since 2015, leading a coalition supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government against the Iran-backed Houthi movement. The Kingdom’s stated objectives have consistently centered on restoring regional stability and preventing Yemen from becoming a hub for hostile actors. The recently commended actions from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs demonstrate a continuation of this policy, focusing on security, unity, and humanitarian considerations for the Yemeni people.
However, a separate conflict has been brewing in southern Yemen between forces loyal to the PLC and the STC, a separatist group advocating for the independence of South Yemen. The STC controls large parts of the Aden and surrounding areas. This power struggle presents a significant obstacle to a comprehensive resolution of the Yemeni conflict, threatening to fragment the country further.
Parliamentary Support for the Presidential Leadership Council
The Yemeni parliament’s statement represents a strong show of solidarity with the PLC, which was formed in 2022 to provide collective leadership in peace negotiations with the Houthis. The PLC, chaired by Rashad al-Alimi, has been working to unify Yemeni factions and establish a framework for a lasting settlement. The declaration of a state of emergency, according to the parliament, is a legal and necessary step to safeguard the nation.
The parliament’s backing extends to the measures taken by the National Defense Council, aimed at strengthening security and maintaining order. This coordinated effort between the legislative and executive branches underlines a determination to address the internal threats to Yemen’s stability.
Calls for De-escalation and Dialogue with the STC
A central component of the House of Representatives’ statement is its direct appeal to the Southern Transitional Council to cease what it considers illegal military actions. Specifically, the parliament wants the STC to withdraw from areas occupied outside of the authorized framework of state structures. It emphasized the importance of adhering to the directives of the Presidential Leadership Council as the supreme governing authority.
The parliament argues that the STC’s actions, allegedly supported by external parties, are detrimental to Yemen’s state-building process and undermine the pursuit of peace. These actions, it contends, contribute to deepening divisions, weakening state institutions, and ultimately harming Yemen’s national interests. Considering the broader geopolitical landscape, Yemen’s political future relies on internal cohesion.
UAE’s Role and Regional Implications
The statement also directly addresses the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key player in the Yemeni conflict and a supporter of the STC. The Yemeni parliament has urged the UAE to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis and to prioritize the stability of its regional partners, particularly Saudi Arabia and Oman. This request appears to be a call for the UAE to reconsider its support for the STC and instead work toward a unified Yemen under the leadership of the PLC.
The relationship between the UAE and the STC has been a source of tension within the anti-Houthi coalition. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly sought to bridge the gap between the PLC and the STC, aiming to present a united front in negotiations with the Houthis. The plea to the UAE emphasizes the potential for broader regional instability if the internal conflicts within Yemen are left unaddressed. Achieving lasting regional security depends heavily on a stable Yemen.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions facing starvation and displacement. A resolution to the dispute between the PLC and the STC is seen as crucial to enabling humanitarian access and rebuilding the country’s infrastructure. International observers note the dire need for increased aid and a renewed focus on long-term development to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. Recent data indicates that the current instability hinders aid delivery, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations has been actively mediating between the warring parties, and a fragile truce has been in place for some time. However, the truce is constantly threatened by violations and a lack of progress on key political issues. The recent escalation of tensions between the PLC and the STC raises serious concerns about the future of the truce and the broader prospects for Yemen conflict resolution.
Looking ahead, the next critical step will be the response of the Southern Transitional Council to the Yemeni parliament’s demands. The council has not yet issued a formal statement, and its willingness to engage in dialogue remains uncertain. Furthermore, the role of the UAE and its potential influence on the STC will be crucial. The success of the Saudi-led initiative for Yemen peace ultimately depends on internal Yemeni agreement, supported by consistent regional engagement.
Analysts will be closely monitoring whether the Saudi Arabian government will increase diplomatic pressure on both the STC and the UAE to de-escalate the situation. The fate of the current truce, and the potential for renewed large-scale conflict, hangs in the balance.