‘Al-Barakani, Al-Zubaidi meeting’ in Aden sparks controversy over “legitimization” of separatist steps

ADEN, Dec.15 (YPA) – The appearance of the General People’s Congress (GPC) senior member, Sultan Al-Barakani (appointed Speaker of the Parliament loyal to the Saudi-led Coalition), next to the head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, at the Presidential Palace in Aden on Monday, sparked a widespread controversy among pro-coalition political elites.

The meeting comes at an “extremely sensitive” time following the recent military events that saw STC factions take control of the First Military Region camps in Hadramout and Mahra governorates.

Circles close to the Islah Party considered Al-Barakani’s arrival at Ma’ashiq Palace as “explicit legitimization and endorsement” of the separatist steps taken by the STC, describing it as a “coup” against the legitimacy of the Presidential Leadership Council’s head, Rashad Al-Alimi, who is currently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Activists believe that Al-Barakani’s move aims to break the “political isolation” Al-Zubaidi is facing due to developments in Hadramout and Mahra, providing political cover for the STC’s rebellious steps in eastern Yemen.

The move raised questions about the messages intended for the Islah Party and specifically the Leadership Council’s head, Rashad Al-Alimi, especially after his presidential guards were expelled and his photos and the Yemeni flag were removed from the palace.

Observers linked the meeting to the latest field developments, viewing Al-Barakani’s presence as an “endorsement of the operation” against Islah party and revealing coordination between the GPC and the UAE-backed STC leaderships.

YPA