In a significant development reflecting the depth of the challenges facing the unity of the Presidential Leadership Council in Yemen, the Republic of Yemen has officially requested that the United Arab Emirates allow Council member Major General Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani to leave its territory and travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This request comes at a sensitive time for the country, as the legitimate government seeks to unify its ranks to confront upcoming political and military challenges.
Details of the presidential statement and the unjustified absence
A source in the Yemeni Presidential Office reported that the Presidential Leadership Council Secretariat has observed a near-complete breakdown in communication with Major General Al-Bahsani over the past few weeks. The source indicated that the official has been absent from his constitutional duties without providing any clear explanation, despite repeated attempts to contact him. This absence comes at a critical juncture, as the government has been exerting intensive efforts to contain a dangerous escalation in the governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra, with the aim of protecting civilians and maintaining civil peace.
The statement explained that the presidency had observed escalating rhetoric in Al-Bahsani's tweets on the X platform, encouraging actions outside the framework of the state in the eastern governorates. He also displayed contradictory stances regarding Saudi Arabia's invitation for consultations in Riyadh; he initially agreed in mid-December but failed to attend, citing being prevented from boarding the plane. He later endorsed the Kingdom's initiative, then disappeared and became completely unreachable.
The context of forming the leadership council and the importance of unity
To understand the dimensions of this dispute, one must return to the political context of the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council on April 7, 2022, which came about as part of the declaration transferring power to unify the various Yemeni factions opposed to the Houthis under one umbrella. Major General Faraj al-Bahsani, who previously served as governor of Hadramawt and commander of the Second Military Region, is a key figure in this council due to his military and political influence in the strategic and oil-rich Hadramawt Governorate.
These developments are of paramount importance given the pivotal role played by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in leading the Arab Coalition. Riyadh is currently working diligently to resolve internal disputes within the legitimate government's camp and ensure all parties adhere to the agreed-upon frameworks to guarantee stability in the liberated provinces.
Constitutional responsibility and the repercussions of obstruction
The presidential source emphasized that membership in the Leadership Council is not merely political or geographical representation, but a supreme constitutional responsibility requiring strict adherence to the rules of institutional conduct. He stressed that obstructing the Council's work or suspending membership based on individual stances or calculations outside the framework of the state is unacceptable, especially given the difficult economic and humanitarian conditions the country is facing.
In closing, the Yemeni Presidency reiterated its commitment to institutional solutions and prioritizing dialogue, urging its brothers in the UAE to facilitate Al-Bahsani's travel to Riyadh to join his colleagues in the Council's leadership. This step aims to eliminate any ambiguity and unify efforts to restore state institutions and end the Iranian-backed Houthi coup, thereby alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people.
