Yemen’s government leader calls separatist territorial gains a serious threat to stability, undermining the political process and military unity
RIYADH: The head of Yemen’s internationally recognised government has condemned recent territorial advances by southern separatists as a “serious threat” to the country’s stability.
Rashad al-Alimi, who leads the government’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), criticised the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).
“The unilateral actions taken by the Southern Transitional Council constitute a blatant violation of the transitional phase’s framework,” Alimi stated.
He described the STC’s moves as a direct threat to unified security and military decision-making.
Alimi said this undermines the legitimate government’s authority and jeopardises the entire political process.
His comments followed the STC’s near-bloodless takeover of large parts of Hadramawt province last week.
The separatists seized the key city of Seiyun and oil fields in the mostly desert area.
The STC, which seeks an independent South Yemen, is part of the internationally recognised government.
That government is a coalition of groups united by their opposition to the Houthi rebels.
The Houthis control most populated areas, including the capital Sanaa, in northern and western Yemen.
The STC faced little resistance during its advances, with some local leaders in neighbouring Mahra province joining its alliance.
Amr Al Bidh, a special representative of STC president Aidarus al-Zubaidi, defended the group’s actions.
He said the moves were necessary to ensure stability and counter extremist groups like Al-Qaeda.
Bidh added the aim was to cut smuggling routes that strengthen the Houthi rebels.
The eight-member PLC is divided between UAE-backed members and others, like Alimi, backed by Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi launched a coalition in 2015 to support the government but failed to dislodge the Houthis.
The war has been largely frozen since a ceasefire took effect in 2022. – AFP
