Conflict and Peace

Tensions remain high in South Yemen, one week after an unprecedented rift between Saudi Arabia and UAE, as a result of which UAE withdrew its forces from Yemen. On Friday (2 January), the UAE backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), an umbrella of groups in the South, announced a two-year transition period leading to a popular referendum and self-determination for the South. The announcement came after political tensions spiraled into clashes on the ground as Hadhramaut's governor, backed by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) chief, launched a military operation to retake STC-held positions. The STC said the transitional period would be used to agree “a clear path and mechanisms that guarantee the right of the southern people within a defined time frame”. Its statement added that the process would include a referendum regulating the exercise of the southern people’s right to self-determination, through peaceful and transparent mechanisms consistent with recognised international rules and practices, and with the participation of international observers,” the STC said. It is also understood that Saudi Naval Forces have been active in the Arabian Sea. The STC, which seeks the restoration of an independent South Yemen, took control of Hadhramaut and Mahra from other pro-government forces, effectively consolidating its grip over all southern governorates. Saudi Arabia, which hosts senior Yemeni government and PLC figures, condemned the STC’s takeover. The kingdom has led the anti-Houthi alliance since 2015, with the UAE playing a key role in the south. In the meantime, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has invited factions in south Yemen to hold a dialogue in Riyadh to “discuss just solutions to the southern cause.” The ministry statement said the conference in the Saudi capital had been requested by Rashad Al-Alimi, President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, and the Kingdom urged all factions to participate “to develop a comprehensive vision” that would fulfill the aspirations of the southern people. (click the picture to read the full story)  

In a move seen as an attempt to de-escalate a crises with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday (30th December) announced that it was heeding a call to withdraw its troops from Southern Yemen. UAE says that its presence included counter-terrorism teams that were crucial in fighting against Islamist groups. UAE sources said that parts of Yemen not controlled by the Houthis have had Al Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula (AQAP) operatives using the territory to launch attacks on Europe, the US and Middle East. UAE teams have co-ordinated with American and British special forces and intelligence. The sources added that Emirati forces and their Yemeni allies also helped reverse Houthi gains in the south. including the liberation of Aden port. The small UAE contingent has remained in place since the UAE withdrew most of its military personnel in 2019. The leading English-language newspaper in Abu Dhabi, The National, said that the main UAE force was based at Riyan Mukalla International Airport, with access to fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, but also operated smaller contingents in the port town Balhaf and Shabwa. "It is understood it also flew a number of drones from the airbase that were able to track terrorist movements, pass information back to its allies and assisted special forces' missions." Meanwhile a division has emerged in Yemen's presidential council after four members denounced what they called the 'unilateral decisions' by the chairman. Four of Yemen’s eight Presidential Leadership Council members on Tuesday denounced an announcement by the council’s chairman accusing him of breaching the governing agreement. Tension between Yemeni leaders has been rising for weeks, underscoring the fragility of the country's already fractured political landscape and further complicating efforts to confront the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The latest rift took an unprecedented turn on Tuesday morning, marked by a Saudi-led coalition “limited operation” striking combat vehicles Riyadh linked to the Southern Transitional Council, which has three members in the PLC. The PLC Chairman, Rashad al Alimi, on Tuesday said that he was seeking to cancel the joint defence agreement with the UAE. “What has been issued … constitutes a clear violation of the Declaration of the Transfer of Power [agreement], which explicitly stipulates that the Presidential Leadership Council is a collective body whose decisions are taken by consensus, or by majority when consensus is not possible,” the statement by the four members said. “It does not, under any circumstances, allow for unilateral decision-making on sovereign, military, or major political matters." The statement was signed by STC chief Aidarous Al Zubaidi, Faraj Al Bahsani, Tariq Saleh and Abu Zaraa al Muharrami. (click the picture to read the full article).