A deepening rift within Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council is raising concerns about a potential escalation of conflict in the war-torn nation. Recent decisions by Council President Rashad al-Alimi have exposed underlying tensions and challenged the fragile unity of the country’s highest executive authority.
According to Saeed Thabet, head of Al Jazeera’s Yemen bureau, the current division is inherent to the Council’s structure. The Council comprises eight members, with three directly affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and a fourth considered close to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This bloc stands in contrast to a faction led by President al-Alimi.
Thabet explains that the balance of power within the Council has been evenly split since its formation, with a four-to-four deadlock. The President holds a tie-breaking vote, but the inherent differences in political and regional agendas among the members have always suggested the potential for division.
The current crisis stems from the rejection of al-Alimi’s recent decrees by four Council members. These members view the decisions as unilateral and a violation of the power transfer agreement, particularly concerning the declaration of a state of emergency and the call for the withdrawal of UAE forces from Yemen.
Al-Alimi is reportedly invoking powers granted to him by the power transfer agreement, allowing him to act as Supreme Commander in cases where the Council cannot convene or reach consensus. However, utilizing these powers during this sensitive period risks fueling conflict rather than fostering reconciliation.
Thabet believes that current indicators do not point towards de-escalation. The rapid succession of decisions, from declaring a state of emergency and closing borders to the political confrontation with Abu Dhabi, suggests a growing trend towards confrontation, with no real signs of containment.
If the announced deadlines are not met, Thabet anticipates tighter controls on ports effectively under coalition control, along with field operations from the Ministries of Defense and Interior, and local authorities in Hadramout, who have voiced support for the President’s decisions.
He concludes that the key to de-escalation now rests not only internally but also with two regional capitals, hinting at the involvement of external actors.
