UAE plans to sideline Al-Zoubaidi by appointing new STC leader

ABU DHABI, Dec. 25 (YPA) – The UAE has begun preparing to appoint a new head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) as part of post-agreement arrangements with Saudi Arabia.

Media outlets, citing sources within the STC, reported that the arrangements include sidelining Aidarus Al-Zoubaidi, the current head of the STC, by appointing a new leader.

They explained that Abu Dhabi informed Shabwa Governor Awad Al-Wazir to prepare for taking over the council’s presidency.

Al-Wazir had earlier announced his joining of the STC after weeks of hesitation under Emirati pressure.

The UAE had effectively begun marginalizing Al-Zoubaidi, as its senior officers inaugurated electricity projects in Lahj and al-Dhalea, his hometown, without his presence, despite him residing nearby in Aden.

The STC insisted on Al-Zoubaidi attending the inauguration of a project in Abyan, following reports of Emirati plans to sideline him and concerns that this could affect current developments in the east.

According to sources, the UAE’s decision to sideline Aidarus Al-Zoubaidi is the result of US pressure and aims to reach a settlement with Saudi Arabia, which insists on removing Al-Zoubaidi from the political scene.

@E.Y.M