The Saba Agreement: An Overview
The Saba Agreement is a peace treaty signed between the Yemeni government and southern separatists. It was signed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 5, 2019, in an effort to put an end to the war that has been raging in Yemen for several years.
The conflict in Yemen started in 2014 when the Houthi rebels, a group of Shia Muslims, captured the capital city of Sana`a. The Yemeni government, which was led by President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, fled to the port city of Aden in the south.
The separatists, who are also known as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), are a group of Yemenis who are seeking independence for the southern part of the country. They have been fighting against the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels for several years.
The Saba Agreement was brokered by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two countries that have been involved in the conflict in Yemen since it began. The agreement is seen as a major step towards ending the war in Yemen and bringing peace to the country.
The key provisions of the Saba Agreement include the establishment of a joint committee between the Yemeni government and the STC to oversee the implementation of the agreement. The committee will be responsible for ensuring that all parties involved in the conflict adhere to the terms of the agreement.
The agreement also calls for the formation of a new government that is inclusive of all Yemeni factions, including the STC. The new government is expected to pave the way for national elections in the near future.
One of the major challenges facing the Saba Agreement is the fact that it does not address the conflict between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels. The Houthi rebels control a significant portion of the country, including the capital city of Sana`a. The Yemeni government has accused the Houthis of being backed by Iran, a charge that Iran denies.
The Saba Agreement has been met with both optimism and skepticism. While many see it as a positive step towards ending the war in Yemen, others are concerned that it may not be enough to bring peace to the country. The implementation of the agreement will be a key factor in determining its success.
In conclusion, the Saba Agreement is a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. It marks a step towards ending the war and bringing peace to the country. However, there are still many challenges to overcome, and the success of the agreement will depend on its implementation.