"YEMEN'S PATH TO STABILITY: EVALUATING THE PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL'S ROLE AND IMPACT"

The war eventually ended in a stalemate in 1970, with the establishment of the Yemen Arab Republic, where the republicans consented to the creation of a more moderate government, which afforded the imam’s supporters substantial political autonomy6. [...] EXTERNAL INFLUENCES SHAPING THE PRESIDENTIAL LEADERSHIP COUNCIL: THE ROLES OF SAUDI ARABIA AND THE UAE IN YEMEN’S POLITICAL LANDSCAPE The formation of the PLC was influenced by external forces, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE. [...] From the outset, the Houthis have characterized the PLC as a product of external manipulation rather than a legitimate representative body of the Yemeni people.20 The Houthis have publicly denounced the PLC, labeling it a “desperate attempt to rearrange the ranks of the mercenaries”21 under foreign influence. [...] The establishment of the Hadramawt National Council (HNC) in June 2023, brought a new dimension into the region and confirmed the existing Policy Paper - N° 16/24 - October 2024 16 division between the factions in Yemen.36 This HNC’s goal is to address the challenges facing the governorate, create a unified political vision, and offer a counter solution to the secessionist goals of the Southern Tr. [...] The Houthis govern approximately one-third of Yemen’s territory, which includes regions that are home to 70 to 80 percent of the population.40 This extensive control underscores the substantial influence the Houthis have within the country and presents a formidable challenge to the efforts of the PLC to unify Yemen and restore stability.