Yemen Monitor / Aden / Exclusive:
The new Minister of State and Governor of the temporary capital, Aden, Abdulrahman Sheikh al-Yafai, outlined the features of the city’s upcoming phase in his first media appearance after taking the constitutional oath before the Head of the Presidential Leadership Council on Saturday.
Al-Yafai pledged to transform Aden into an inspiring model through a comprehensive strategy aimed at lifting the city from the reality of conflicts toward a horizon of sustainable development. He stressed that “citizen satisfaction” is the only true indicator of the local authority’s success in its massive tasks.
In a lengthy interview with Yemen National Television on Saturday evening, followed by Yemen Monitor, Governor al-Yafai explained that his selection to lead Aden was not a coincidence but was based on precise criteria that take into account current challenges. He highlighted his administrative background as a former undersecretary of the governorate, his organic connection to the city, and his history within the resistance against the Houthi project. He emphasized that these factors grant him a deep understanding of the street’s needs and qualify him to lead this stage with a vision that combines field experience and administrative skill, ensuring a swift response to the requirements for desired stability.
He stated: “The people of Aden were pushed into a path that was not theirs. Today, we want parallel tracks; civil work has its path, politics has its path, and the economy has its path. People should not be forced into a single track that confiscates their ambitions. The people in Aden want investment opportunities, holding companies, and banks.”
Al-Yafai added: “The Adeni street today compares the past, which was shaped with culture and elegance, and a very humble present. People want to return to the sophistication they enjoyed 60 years ago.”
Security and Services… Urgent Priorities
Al-Yafai emphasized that the cornerstone of his work program is stabilizing the security situation and preventing any slide into the chaos that some saboteurs try to exploit to destabilize public peace.
His security vision includes unifying security decision-making under one umbrella and restricting weapons to the state—a step he views as necessary to instill a sense of tranquility among both residents and investors. He considers sustainable security the fundamental starting point for any real development process in the temporary capital.
He said: “The large team of the local authority has a top priority: stabilizing the security situation in the capital, Aden, especially after recent events, and preventing the governorate from sliding into any chaos. The priority was to establish security and broadcast a spirit of reassurance among citizens.”
The Governor added: “There is also within the matrix achieving a satisfactory level of service availability, and stabilizing living conditions regarding food prices and the availability of petroleum products. We have a time-bound plan that will be presented, and we may even involve the people of Aden to be part of its implementation.”
Al-Yafai confirmed that the local authority will work according to a chronicled plan to be presented to the public to involve Aden’s citizens in its implementation and oversight, thereby enhancing transparency and mutual trust.
Ending Armed Presence and Promoting Investment
The Governor presented a vision aimed at a final break with the “militarization of civil life” in Aden, stressing the need for the departure of armed appearances from the streets and the restoration of the city’s civil and civilized face. He called for a real partnership with local, regional, and international capital, asserting that Aden possesses promising investment opportunities in its port, airport, and unique geographical location, making it capable of emulating successful economic models in the GCC countries.
The Governor touched upon the importance of promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, and social peace as main pillars for building the future, considering these values deeply rooted in the “genes” of the Adeni person and the city’s ancient history. Al-Yafai seeks to activate the role of cultural, financial, and business forums to open parallel paths for civil, economic, and political work.
In concluding his vision, Al-Yafai sent a message to the people of Aden and the international community that the city possesses all the elements to rise again—from its historical landmarks like Mount Shamsan, Sira Castle, and the Tawila Tanks, to its human wealth—stressing that work will continue to create an honorable civil model to be emulated throughout Yemen.
