Sanaa, Yemen – Naef, a dedicated soldier in the Yemeni government’s army, has spent the last nine years striving to restore stability in southern Yemen. He enlisted in 2016 at the tender age of 19, expecting the conflict with the Houthi rebel group to be resolved swiftly. However, a decade later, the conflict remains ongoing, with the Houthis firmly established in Sanaa.
Naef identifies the government’s challenges as stemming from internal disunity and an unclear chain of command. For years, soldiers and their allies in the struggle against the Houthis have followed disparate agendas across the country, with many southern fighters aligning themselves with the Southern Transitional Council (STC). Naef initially viewed a resolution to this lack of cohesion as unlikely.
Recent developments, however, have shifted the dynamics in southern Yemen. The attempt by the STC to assert control over southern and eastern regions sparked a backlash, leading to support from Saudi Arabia for pro-government forces to push back against the STC. Consequently, the STC’s leadership has fractured, with some leaders now in hiding and others asserting that the group has effectively ceased to exist.
The Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Yemen’s UN-recognized governing body led by President Rashad al-Alimi, has seized this opportunity. On January 10, the PLC announced the establishment of the Supreme Military Committee (SMC), which aims to unify various anti-Houthi military factions under a single command within the official Yemeni military structure. Al-Alimi has expressed that the SMC is a pivotal move towards defeating the Houthis and reclaiming control of Yemen.
This initiative marks a significant turning point in Yemen’s prolonged conflict, igniting hope in individuals like Naef. He remarked on the revitalization of government power in the southern region, expressing optimism that the unified military command will enhance morale and lay the groundwork for a robust government resurgence.
Naef believes that with Saudi support, the government is now capable of advancing into Houthi-controlled territories in northwestern Yemen if diplomatic efforts falter. He highlighted the PLC’s recent achievements in the south, underscoring the essential role of Saudi Arabia in the ongoing conflict.
Conversely, the formation of the SMC has raised concerns among Houthi supporters in northern Yemen. Hamza Abdu, a Houthi supporter from Sanaa, perceives the military committee as an effort to organize the southern factions, warning that this could deepen the region’s ties to foreign powers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
While there are fears of reigniting hostilities, Houthi leaders remain confident, asserting that the SMC will not diminish their influence. Military analyst Aziz Rashid emphasizes the challenges that lie ahead, arguing that past confrontations against powerful international forces have demonstrated the resilience of the Houthis.
In light of ongoing turmoil, the need for a political settlement has never been more urgent. The Houthis took control of Sanaa in September 2014, deposing the UN-recognized government a few months later. They continue to present themselves as the legitimate authority in Yemen, despite facing significant military pressure.
Despite the numerous obstacles, the establishment of the SMC presents a potential pathway to reinvigorate efforts for peace and security in Yemen. Scholars like Adel Dashela suggest that if the SMC effectively integrates military forces and secures the territory, it could improve living conditions for Yemeni citizens and fortify its negotiating position with the Houthis.
Public sentiment reflects a yearning for order amid chaos. Many Yemeni citizens, such as Aden resident Fawaz Ahmed, express hope that the SMC will curtail the actions of armed groups and diminish lawlessness in the region. The desire for a sound security framework and a collective governance approach resonates widely among those longing for peace.
The developments underscore the complexity of the Yemeni conflict, but the recent initiatives may pave the way for a united effort towards stability and a brighter future for Yemen.
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