Barran Press
Mohammed al-Yadoumi, head of Yemen's Islah Party's Supreme Council, has urged members of the newly formed "Expanded National Bloc" to prioritize national interests over individual agendas. In a tweet on Friday, May 24th, al-Yadoumi stressed the importance of "transcending selfish interests" and avoiding "pursuing each other's mistakes" if the bloc hopes to achieve its goals.
Al-Yadoumi emphasized that the bloc's success hinges on its ability to overcome internal divisions and focus on the "supreme interests of Yemen - land and people." He criticized the pursuit of "trivia" and "mistakes" over addressing the core issues, particularly the liberation of areas under Houthi control.
He further warned that failure to prioritize national unity would result in a loss of credibility among the Yemeni people. Al-Yadoumi also highlighted the need to overcome "frustration" and "corruption" plaguing the country, advocating for accountability, the rule of law, and a fair system of reward and punishment.
The bloc, formed on April 29th by political parties and forces supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government, aims to reclaim control of state institutions, including the capital Sana'a. The bloc's formation was announced in a tweet by Ali al-Jaradi, head of the media department of the Islah Party, who stated that the bloc would "confront the coup and bolster the legitimacy's institutions while improving services in the liberated governorates."
Al-Jaradi also highlighted the importance of addressing the "southern issue" as a key aspect of national unity.
However, the STC, which governs the southern regions of Yemen, has denounced the bloc, calling it an attempt to "revive a dead body." The council accused the participating parties of neglecting their responsibilities in the north while exploiting the stability in Aden. The STC warned that the bloc's formation could further complicate the conflict and hinder peace efforts.
The STC's rejection of the bloc underscores the deep divisions within Yemen's political landscape, raising concerns about the ability of the government to effectively address the Houthi threat. The bloc's success hinges on its ability to overcome these internal divisions and unite against a common enemy.