Barran Press
The Southern Transitional Council (STC) has leveled accusations against Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council, and Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, asserting they bear primary responsibility for the worsening service delivery and economic crisis in Aden. The city, serving as Yemen's interim capital, remains under the STC's de facto control.
During a meeting led by acting STC President Ali al-Kathiri, local and security officials sharply criticized the government leadership, while simultaneously attempting to absolve the STC of culpability. This stance is notable given the STC's significant influence within both the national cabinet, where they hold half the ministerial portfolios, and Aden's local governance, which they have effectively administered since 2019.
The meeting coincided with escalating public demonstrations fueled by persistent power outages and the rapid depreciation of the national currency. Reports from Barran Press indicate that STC forces responded to recent protests with live ammunition and arbitrary detentions.
The STC has announced plans to hold a press conference in the coming days, promising to "reveal the true causes" of the crisis, placing the onus squarely on al-Alimi and bin Mubarak. Despite their control over Aden's security and administration, the STC portrayed itself as an advocate for citizens' "legitimate demands," while issuing warnings against unidentified "hostile actors" allegedly seeking to exploit public discontent to destabilize the city.
Yemen's broader economic instability has been exacerbated by drone attacks launched by the Iran-backed Houthis, targeting key oil export terminals. These attacks have disrupted crude shipments, severely impacting a crucial source of government revenue.