Aden (South24 Center)

The newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported on Saturday (May 9), citing Yemeni political and diplomatic sources, that renewed discussions are underway regarding the future of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), amid proposals to restructure the body or reduce its membership following developments witnessed in South Yemen over recent months.

According to the sources, local and regional actors are holding discussions with Saudi Arabia and the United States over the future of the PLC. The proposals reportedly include reducing the council from eight members to a president and two deputies, in addition to discussions about replacing PLC Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi.

The sources said the renewed discussions stem from mounting criticism of the council’s performance and its inability to address Yemen’s political, military, and economic crises, alongside growing disagreements among its members.

The sources also noted that some southern factions oppose Al-Alimi’s return to the capital, Aden, warning that such a move could trigger renewed political and security tensions in South Yemen.

They further stated that diplomatic missions have become increasingly “frustrated” with the council’s performance, amid a growing perception that it lacks the capacity to manage the Yemeni file effectively or present a clear strategy for dealing with the Houthis.

Meanwhile, a source close to Al-Alimi’s office denied the existence of any official arrangements to introduce changes within the PLC or replace its chairman, describing the circulating reports as part of “informal political discussions.”

The source added — according to the newspaper — that the current discussions are focused on supporting Al-Alimi’s efforts to mobilize regional and international backing to confront the Houthis and improve conditions in government-controlled areas.

According to the report, several figures within the Yemeni government have been mentioned as potential successors to Al-Alimi, including PLC member Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Al-Subaihi and Hadramout Governor Salem Al-Khanbashi.

These discussions come in the aftermath of recent changes within the PLC, which included the removal of Southern Transitional Council President Maj. Gen. Aidarous Al-Zubaidi and his deputy Maj. Gen. Faraj Al-Bahsani from the council, replacing them with Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Al-Subaihi and Governor Salem Al-Khanbashi.

Since its formation on April 7, 2022, the PLC has continued to operate without internal regulations governing decision-making procedures and defining the authorities of its members. Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi has repeatedly faced accusations of issuing unilateral decisions and sidelining other council members, further deepening divisions within the body over recent years.