Rashad al-Alimi, the head of Yemen’s internationally recognised Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), has announced the dissolution of the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), asserting that PLC forces now control the south. This surprise move, formalised in Riyadh, marks the first time in nearly a decade that southern Yemen has a unified political and military command.
A new, Saudi-led Supreme Military Committee has been formed to consolidate and equip these forces, with a mandate to stabilise the south. Concurrently, Riyadh is hosting a dialogue for Yemeni parties to agree on a future roadmap, a process backed by the United States.
The move concludes a major southern separatist chapter, pivoting talks toward federalism. However, a larger conflict looms as Al-Alimi has issued an ultimatum to the northern Houthi rebels, offering one chance to negotiate or face a military option. This sets the Saudi-backed PLC on a direct collision course with the Houthis, who also claim sole national authority.
Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra joins us live from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia to discuss the latest developments.
Yousef Mawry is a journalist and political analyst in Sanaa. He says the only likely options are negotiations – or war.
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