UAE-backed factions threaten to suppress popular protests in Socotra

SOCOTRA, July. 18 (YPA) – The leadership of the UAE-backed factions in the Socotra archipelago has threatened to suppress any popular protests to condemn the deteriorating economic conditions, services and high prices.

Sources familiar with the matter said the governor of Socotra affiliated with the UAE-funded southern Transitional Council (STC), Raafat al-Thaqali, met with the security committee to prevent organizing any peaceful demonstrations calling for his removal from office in light of the deterioration of basic services and the high prices of fuel and electricity.

According to the sources, the UAE company, “Dicsam Power and Water Technology”, started a campaign to cut off the electricity supply and confiscate the meters from citizens who could not pay the costs of the ridiculous electricity tariff, and imposed an amount of 1,000 Emirati dirhams, which equals 68,159.54 Yemeni Rial, as a fine and a condition for restoring the electrical service.

The sources pointed out that the Emirati company forced a number of citizens to sleep in the dark.

Observers believe that the UAE is working to exploit the living conditions of the people of Socotra by raising the prices of all goods and service fees, which have increased since the Emirati-backed STC elements took control of the island.

AA