Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The Governor of Al-Mahrah Governorate, Mohammed Ali Yasser, affirmed that discussions surrounding the Southern Dialogue and the future form of the state must be based on economic realities and development feasibility, away from emotional and populist rhetoric.
In an interview with Al Arabiya TV, followed by Yemen Monitor, Governor Yasser responded to calls for an independent region combining Al-Mahrah and Socotra by saying: “We are not seeking to restore sultanates; rather, we want a genuine federal system based on available capabilities and resources.”
He addressed the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and the ongoing debate over the “Hadramawt Region” or the “Eastern Region,” explaining that the core issue in the past lay in the “naming” and the fears of some components about the erosion of their governorates’ identities. He noted that Al-Mahrah—having distanced itself from bloody conflicts for decades—views any future dialogue through the lens of what it can deliver in terms of security, stability, and tangible development for citizens.
The governor stressed the need to “properly organize the files” to ensure that people benefit from any forthcoming political system, while warning against rushing into statements about the shape of the state before dialogue matures and an appropriate environment is established.
Governor Yasser explained that the local authority faces challenges in the electricity sector due to reliance on aging generators, confirming that the arrival of Saudi fuel grant shipments has significantly improved operating hours from two hours to 12 hours daily. He expressed hope that the support would continue to overcome peak summer demand.
He confirmed that the “Nation’s Shield Forces” have taken over border crossings and military camps and are operating in full coordination with security agencies and the army. Regarding smuggling, Yasser stated that the greatest challenge lies in “maritime smuggling,” which exploits the limited capabilities of the Coast Guard, renewing his call on Saudi Arabia to support this sector with modern equipment and specialized training.
The Governor of Al-Mahrah announced that the “King Salman Medical City” is now fully ready, with only minor finishing touches remaining, and is expected to be officially inaugurated within two months. He described the facility as a landmark and a model of generous Saudi support, noting that it will provide services to Al-Mahrah, neighboring governorates, and even neighboring countries.
He praised the efforts of the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, pointing to a package of strategic projects implemented, including the construction of eight secondary schools and a water transmission line that has ended the water shortage crisis in the city of Al-Ghaydah.
Governor Yasser called on the people of Al-Mahrah to uphold their historical customs in maintaining security and protecting their neighbors from other governorates, affirming that Al-Mahrah will remain a model of peaceful coexistence and social cohesion among all Yemenis.
