Tensions between Yemeni president, UAE increasing

Differences between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi have recently increased over pressure exerted by the Gulf state on the Yemenis, Al-Sharq news site reported yesterday.

The reason for the differences, a former Yemeni official said, is the rejection of the Yemeni president to give into pressure from the UAE and oust Aden’s mayor, as well as the UAE’s refusal to allow planes carrying cash for the Yemeni Central Bank in Aden to land in the city.

According to Mukhtar Al-Rahbi, the former media advisor of the Yemeni president, the UAE interference in Yemen “will not last for long”.

We are partners, but not followers to anyone. We have a common issue and fate with brothers and neighbours, but the sovereign decision will remain Yemeni

he wrote on Facebook.

During a meeting with his aides in Riyadh, Hadi revealed information about the tension with the UAE for the first time. “The UAE adopts aims different from those adopted by the coalition,” he said. “We informed Saudi Arabia about everything,” he added.

#WarInYemen

“The UAE sent us the names of people so as we assign them in certain positions. At the beginning, we did what they wanted, but their demands increased, we rejected their demands and tension started.”

Hadi said that some of the coalition members deviated from the set goals, but the UAE wants to control Sana’a and Mareb and this would increase the crisis. It also wishes to do away with Al-Islah part, which is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, he explained.

“They are bad,” Hadi said, noting that they the UAE is working to gain control of oil and gas fields.

“This strips us of everything,” he said, adding: “Do not expect that our patience will continue forever. Everything has a limit and when out patience runs out they will not be able to stand the outcome.”

Read: Yemen’s president is an obstacle for UAE forces