Leaks reported by Reuters on a Saudi framework to end the latest standoff between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) have restored hope in the Yemeni street over clashes coming to an end in Abyan governorate and the return to the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement.
The Yemeni public believes that the prolonged conflict between the Yemeni government and the STC will result in inhibiting the restoration of state institutions from the grip of Iran-backed Houthi militias.
“Saudi Arabia has proposed a framework to end the latest standoff in southern Yemen between nominal allies under a Saudi-led coalition, three sources said, as violence escalates with the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in the north of the country,” Reuters reported.
According to the sources, the proposed framework calls for a ceasefire in Abyan province and for STC to rescind emergency rule. Thereafter Saudi-backed President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi would appoint a governor and security head for Aden, and name a premier to form a cabinet that includes the STC.
The STC would then remove its forces from Aden and redeploy in Abyan, following which the new government would be formed. Two of the sources told Reuters the STC wants the cabinet formed before moving its forces.
The STC in April declared self-rule in Aden, interim seat of the Riyadh-backed government, and in other southern regions.
Saudi efforts succeeded in achieving the "Riyadh Agreement" between the two parties, but a state of mistrust and escalation between the two sides continued, leading to the outbreak of hostilities on May 11.
Yemeni pro-government forces were focused on regaining control over Zinjibar and Jaar in Abyan governorate and then push towards Aden to recover it by force.
It is noteworthy that the Riyadh Agreement had security, military, and political stipulations.
The political part included the formation of a unity government, the appointment of a security director for Aden and the consensual appointment of governors for Aden, Abyan and Lahj governorates, while ensuring the government's return to work from the temporary capital, and uniting efforts to confront Iran-backed Houthi coup.
