Yemen's President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi Released from House Arrest, Heads to Aden

Strategic Insights -

Former Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi has been released from house arrest in Sana'a and is on his way to Aden, his hometown, according to his aides. This development comes after weeks of being detained by Shi'ite Houthi rebels, who toppled the government last month. The U.N. Security Council has adopted a resolution demanding that the Houthis restore the Sana'a government and Mr. Hadi, who is backed by the United States. The country has been plagued by political turmoil since the Houthi rebels seized Sana'a in September. In a positive sign, the U.N. envoy to Yemen has announced that rival political parties are close to reaching a deal to prevent civil war.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi has been released from house arrest in Sana'a and is headed to Aden, his hometown.
  • Hadi was under house arrest after being detained by Shi'ite Houthi rebels last month, who toppled the government.
  • The U.N. Security Council has adopted a resolution demanding that the Houthis restore the Sana'a government and Mr. Hadi.
  • The resolution stops short of sanctions or direct intervention, requiring new Security Council action for any eventual penalties to be applied.
  • Houthi leaders have said they will not cede power in response to the U.N. move, citing a "revolution" against corrupt officials and economic ruin.
  • U.N. envoy Jamal Benomar has announced that rival political parties are close to reaching a deal to end the current crisis.
  • The deal includes an interim legislative body that guarantees the participation of all political elements not represented in the current lower house of parliament.

Statistics:

  • The U.N. Security Council resolution was adopted this past week,
  • The Houthi rebels seized Sana'a in September,
  • Yemen has been mired in political turmoil since the Houthi rebels took power in January,
  • The U.N. envoy to Yemen announced that rival political parties are close to reaching a deal.

Sources:

  • Voice of America (VOA)
  • Jamal Benomar, U.N. envoy to Yemen, statement on Facebook
  • Mohammed Albasha, spokesman for the Yemeni embassy in the United States, VOA