Armed tensions at Aden’s Central Bank amid warnings of economic catastrophe

ADEN, Dec. 19 (YPA) – Informed sources have revealed the outbreak of armed tensions within and around the Central Bank of Yemen in the temporary capital, Aden, following a symbolic conflict between the bank’s administration and factions affiliated with the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The crisis erupted after STC elements lowered the flag of the Republic of Yemen and raised the “secessionist flag” over the bank building, while also attempting to remove portraits of the Presidential Leadership Council President, Rashad al-Alimi, from the offices.

The Governor of the Central Bank, Ahmed al-Maabiqi, ordered the Republic’s flag to be raised again and refused to replace al-Alimi’s portraits with those of STC President Aidarous al-Zubaidi, leading to an armed mobilization around the financial institution.

Observers believe the STC’s attempts to impose political and symbolic influence over the bank may exacerbate the deteriorating economic and living conditions. In this context, economic analyst Majed al-Daeri warned against any interference in the bank’s administration, asserting that the controlling authorities would be the biggest losers and solely responsible for any potential economic chaos.

Al-Daei pointed out that disrupting the bank’s operations will impact the currency value and citizens’ purchasing power., emphasizing that the bank’s independence is the only guarantee for ongoing reforms and preventing market exploitation by what he described as “sharks and currency mafias.”

YPA