Intense consultations in Riyadh to reintroduce “Hadi’s” leaders to southern Yemeni scene

RIYADH, Dec. 09 (YPA) – Informed political sources have revealed that Saudi Arabia is currently conducting intense consultations aimed at reintroducing political figures close to resigned President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi to the forefront of the Southern Yemeni scene.

The consultations reportedly focus on Riyadh’s efforts to incorporate the head of the so-called “Southern Popular Congress,” Ahmed Salem Al-Maisari (Hadi’s former Interior Minister), and position him as a prominent figure opposing the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).

Sources indicated that this move aims to impose a new equation that guarantees Saudi influence in Yemen’s southern and eastern governorates and counter the expansion of Emirati influence via the STC.

Al-Maisari, whose origin is from Abyan governorate, is seen by Riyadh as an “acceptable figure” capable of rallying diverse Southern leaders to fill the political vacuum and confront the STC’s moves, which Riyadh perceives as a threat to its strategic interests in oil-rich Hadramout, Mahra, and the southern coast.

Al-Maisari, along with other leaders like Saleh Al-Jabwani and former Shabwa Governor Mohammed Saleh Bin Adiyo, is preparing for regional tours to discuss a comprehensive political project supported by Riyadh.

YPA