Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council recognises Hadi’s authority

The Aden-based Southern Transitional Council is ready to govern the provinces in the south of the country if the government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi fails to do so, the group said yesterday.

The Council warned that it may resort to taking the necessary steps to manage the south and provide the necessary services to its citizens after the failure of the legitimate government to perform its duties.

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It held the legitimate government responsible for the deteriorating situation in the southern governorates.

Announcing the formation of its internal services, the Council said: “The next few days will witness the completion of its organisational structure and the announcement of its bodies and branches in all provinces.”

The Southern Transitional Council is headed by former Aden governor, Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, who is supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The UAE is a member of a Saudi-led coalition to reinstate Hadi’s rule over all of Yemen, however the Emirates recently began setting up this new political party to counter Hadi’s authority.