The Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al Jaber, confirmed that the unilateral moves that the Yemeni arena has witnessed recently, under the direction of the leadership of the Southern Transitional Council, have caused serious damage to the course of the southern cause, stressing the importance of collective action within the framework of the Arab coalition to support legitimacy.
In press statements detailing his meeting with a delegation from the Southern Transitional Council in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, Al Jaber explained that the discussions focused explicitly on the actions taken at the direction of Aidarus al-Zubaidi. The ambassador indicated that these steps, instead of serving the aspirations of the people of the south, have harmed the southern cause and clearly undermined Yemeni unity in the face of current challenges, most notably the Houthi coup.
Context of the crisis and the Riyadh Agreement
These statements come at a sensitive time in the Yemeni crisis, as Saudi Arabia strives to bridge the divide between the legitimate government and the Southern Transitional Council by implementing the provisions of the Riyadh Agreement. This agreement, sponsored by the Kingdom, primarily aims to unify military and political efforts and direct them toward restoring the state and ending the coup. However, individual actions have often hindered the implementation of both the military and political aspects of the agreement, necessitating continuous diplomatic intervention to maintain momentum.
The Southern Issue: Between Political Solutions and Unilateral Actions
The Saudi ambassador added, “We discussed ways to address the issue in the future in a manner that serves the southern cause and the coalition’s efforts to achieve security and stability in Yemen.” This statement indicates that the Kingdom, as the leader of the Arab coalition, fully understands the importance of the southern issue as an integral part of the final solution in Yemen, but believes that the solution must be reached through dialogue and political consensus, not through imposing a fait accompli that could lead to a fragmentation of efforts and a weakening of the internal front.
The importance of the Saudi role and future arrangements
In discussing sustainable solutions, Al Jaber revealed that arrangements are currently underway to hold the anticipated “Southern Issue Conference” in Riyadh. This conference is of paramount strategic importance, as it is expected to lay out a clear roadmap for addressing southern grievances and achieving equitable political partnership, under the umbrella of legitimacy and with regional and international support.
Saudi Arabia's emphasis on "unity" reflects a strategic vision that recognizes any internal conflict within the anti-Houthi camp as playing into the hands of the Iranian-backed militias. Therefore, containing the disputes with the Southern Transitional Council and getting back on track is crucial to ensuring the stability of the liberated provinces and providing a secure environment that allows the government to function and deliver services to citizens who have suffered the ravages of war and economic decline.
