Al-Zubaidi Urges Action on Services and Economy Amidst Growing Crisis

Aidarous al-Zubaidi, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council and head of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), called on the Council and the government to take "urgent action to provide essential services, pay salaries, and find solutions to revitalize the country's economic resources."

During a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin, al-Zubaidi discussed the deteriorating humanitarian and political situation, exacerbated by the economic crisis and the government's perceived failure to address citizens' needs, according to the STC's official website.  Both parties emphasized the importance of securing regional and international support to assist the Presidential Leadership Council in stabilizing the economy and normalizing life in liberated provinces.  They also discussed the urgent need for comprehensive government reforms, including activating revenue-generating institutions, regulating financial policies, and strengthening oversight bodies to achieve economic stability.

Last week, the STC blamed the internationally recognized Yemeni government and the Presidential Leadership Council for the collapse of services in Aden, the declared temporary capital, which the STC has controlled since 2019.  The STC appealed to the Arab Coalition, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, for urgent intervention to address the worsening situation in Aden and other southern governorates.  Aden and other cities have recently witnessed protests over deteriorating services, especially the prolonged power outages.

In response to the crisis, Sultan al-Aradah, a member of the Presidential Leadership Council and Governor of Marib, directed an increase in the daily crude oil supply to Aden's President Power Station to alleviate the energy shortages, according to the official Saba news agency.

The STC has controlled Aden since August 2019, following their declaration of "self-administration" for the south and the expulsion of the internationally recognized government from the city.  Despite the government's nominal return under the Riyadh Agreement, its functionality has been hampered by security and bureaucratic obstacles allegedly imposed by the STC.