Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) in Yemen, affirmed that the stability of the southern provinces represents a model for a promising Yemeni–Saudi partnership. He emphasized that any future political process must be based on the state’s monopoly on weapons, the independence of the judiciary, and the drafting of a new constitution that accommodates current changes and ensures justice and the rule of law without exclusion or marginalization.
This came during his reception on Wednesday of a delegation from the National Democratic Institute (NDI), headed by its Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. During the meeting, both sides discussed the latest political developments and efforts to rebuild state institutions.
Al-Alimi explained that the most prominent challenge lies in rebuilding the political sphere on competitive foundations based on national programs that place the individual at the top of priorities, rather than armed conflict or closed ideologies. He noted that the Council is working to activate state institutions internally and ensure the regular functioning of the government from the temporary capital, Aden, in addition to unifying security and military decision-making under the supervision of the Ministries of Defense and Interior.
He stressed that any political path should be preceded or accompanied by the removal of unregulated weapons, the dismantling of parallel military formations, and the criminalization of racist, dynastic, and regionalist ideologies within the constitution and law. He added that a pluralistic democratic system cannot be built in the presence of an ideology that believes in its divine right to rule the people.
The Head of the Presidential Leadership Council emphasized that lasting peace cannot be achieved through power-sharing with armed militias, warning that any de-escalation that does not address the roots of the armed Imamate project will remain temporary and prone to explosion.
He also touched upon the ongoing preparations for the Southern Dialogue Conference, sponsored by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the state leadership’s recognition of the justice of the Southern Cause and its commitment to a fair solution through a legal and institutional path that addresses grievances and prevents their recurrence. He expressed confidence in the wisdom of southern forces to adopt a responsible dialogue that unifies visions and prevents the monopoly of representation, with the condition that its outcomes be integrated into a comprehensive national path.
Al-Alimi pointed to the importance of investing in regional variables, foremost of which is the partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its support in protecting civilians and preventing the collapse of state institutions. He considered the stability of Yemen an integral part of regional security, noting that the southern provinces are qualified to be a model for a stable developmental and security partnership.
He praised the role played by the National Democratic Institute in supporting political dialogue, empowering parties, and enhancing the participation of women and youth, leading to the formation of the National Bloc of Political Parties and Components. He affirmed that democratic institutions in Yemen represent a fundamental pillar for restoring the state and preventing the return of tyranny.
The Head of the Presidential Leadership Council concluded by emphasizing his aspiration for further support in capacity-building programs for parties, the empowerment of youth and women during the transitional phase, and the provision of advice regarding the drafting of a new constitution and legal and electoral reforms. He stressed that the war will not last indefinitely and that the will of the Yemenis is capable of creating peace and building the post-war phase.
