Barran Press
A recent report from the UN Security Council's Panel of Experts regarding Yemen indicates that the Southern Transitional Council (STC) is actively opposing the convening of parliamentary sessions in Aden, the country’s temporary capital.
In its annual report, released on Thursday and obtained by "Barran Press," the expert team noted that the STC refuses to acknowledge the legitimacy of the parliament, viewing it as a remnant of the old regime. Instead, the council is promoting the establishment of a Consultative and Reconciliation Authority to replace the parliament.
The Consultative Authority, which operates under the Presidential Leadership Council, was formed as part of the power transfer agreement from former President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. It consists of 50 members, led by STC figure Mohammed Al-Ghaithi. Its mandate includes assisting the council in fulfilling its objectives and fostering dialogue among political entities on political, economic, military, and security issues.
Additionally, the report highlights the STC's reluctance to unify its forces under a single command as mandated by the head of the Presidential Leadership Council, preferring to maintain its independence. The Ministry of Defense has requested the STC to provide a list of its soldiers to ensure equitable pay across different factions, but the STC has yet to submit this information.
In late May 2022, the Presidential Leadership Council approved the formation of a Joint Security and Military Committee, comprising 59 members and chaired by Major General Haitham Qasim Taher. This committee aims to restructure the armed forces and police, ensure security and stability, and address the divisions within the military.
The decision is based on Article 5 of the power transfer declaration made in April 2022 in Riyadh, which seeks to prevent armed confrontations and establish a unified national command for the military and security forces.