Saudi-backed Hadramout governor gives Fadi Baoum 10 days to leave Mukalla

HADRAMOUT, Oct. 30(YPA) – Fadi Baoum, head of the Southern Future Council and a former member of the now-dissolved Southern Transitional Council (STC), was reportedly harshly insulted by Saudi-backed Hadramout Governor Salem al-Khanbashi and effectively forced to leave Mukalla, the provincial capital, without any formal announcement.

According to a local source, Baoum arrived in Hadramout from Riyadh in recent days to promote his newly established political group.

He reportedly asked al-Khanbashi for permission to visit several government offices to review public services, but his request was rejected because he held no official position authorizing such visits.

The governor reportedly told Baoum during a meeting at his office in Mukalla: “You are not allowed to visit any government office. Stay at home.”

Baoum later sought a meeting with Mohammed Omar al-Yamani, the Saudi-backed commander of the Second Military Region, at the region’s headquarters.

Al-Yamani also refused to meet him, without giving a reason, according to the source.

The source indicated that Saudi forces operating from Al-Rayyan Airport in Mukalla may have been behind the refusals.

Al-Khanbashi reportedly gave Baoum 10 days to leave Mukalla and warned him against causing a stir or engaging in provocative activities.

Baoum continues to receive visitors at his home in Mukalla and is expected to travel to Cairo in the coming days, the source said.

@E.Y.M