Ahead of Separatists' Deadline, Yemeni Government Bans Gatherings in Aden

On Saturday, as the deadline set by southern separatists for the removal of Yemen's cabinet approached, the government banned public gatherings in the city of Aden. According to Reuters, tensions in southern Yemen have escalated since the Southern Transitional Council, a separatist force backed by the United Arab Emirates, gave President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi a week to dismiss the current cabinet led by Prime Minister Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr. The Southern Transitional Council has accused bin Daghr's government of causing hunger among the people and pushing the impoverished country towards complete famine. This crisis may undermine the opportunity that arose after the death of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh for the Saudi-led military coalition to defeat the Houthi rebels. However, on Saturday, Yemen's interior minister announced in a statement released by the country's state news agency that "it has been decided that any gathering, sit-in, or march in the city of Aden is prohibited. These actions will be considered against stability and security." He added that the entry of armed groups into Aden is also banned. Since the escalation of the war in 2015, the internationally recognized Yemeni government has designated Aden as its temporary capital. The office of Prime Minister Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr stated that he met with senior commanders of the Saudi-led military coalition in Aden to prevent protests. The Prime Minister's office said, "This meeting expressed its opposition to any calls for chaos, violence, and disorder in Aden." According to Reuters, residents of Aden report that no additional security forces are visible throughout the city. The city is home to troops loyal to Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, forces from the Southern Transitional Council, and troops from the Saudi-led coalition. However, eyewitnesses say that Yemeni army forces have been deployed in streets leading to the presidential palace and government offices. Eyewitnesses also report that thousands of southern Yemen residents, who formed the current unified country with northern Yemen in 1990, have come to Aden to participate in a gathering scheduled for Sunday. The war in Yemen began in 2014 after Houthi rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, and following the rebels' advance and capture of large parts of the country, including the port city of Aden, the government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi fled abroad. Following these events, the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in March 2015 to support the government forces. However, the Houthi rebels still control most of the country, including the city of Sanaa. The Southern Transitional Council was formed last year with the aim of seceding the southern part from northern Yemen. In the past, southern forces have clashed with supporters of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, including members of the Islamic Reform Party, over control of key points such as Aden airport and oil facilities.