“Can Rashad Al-Alimi hold up against the events of Chabwa?” wondered this Thursday, August 11 the Yemeni newspaper Aden Al-Ghad, in reference to the head of the Presidential Council formed last April, at the instigation of Saudi Arabia, to perpetuate the so-called legitimate power of Yemen.
This Presidential Council had since succeeded in twice extending a ceasefire agreement with the Houthi rebels, who control the north of the country, and in starting negotiations with all parties for a lasting peace in this country. torn apart by eight years of war. But while the ceasefire between belligerents remains fragile, it is inside the Rashad Al-Alimi camp itself that an armed conflict has just broken out.
Chabwa, “microcosm of a conflict by proxy”
This takes place in the province of Chabwa, located between the southern coast of the country and the surroundings of the city of Marib. This strategic region is “the microcosm of a regional conflict between proxy actors”, writes Farea Al-Muslimi, from the analysis center Sanaa Center.
It was not until the beginning of this year that government forces succeeded in completely driving out the Houthi rebels. This victory was then considered a success.