Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council on Thursday stripped Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani of his membership, accusing him of exploiting his constitutional position to provide political and legal cover for unlawful military movements carried out by the dissolved Southern Transitional Council. In a decision signed by Council Chairman Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi, the council said Al-Bahsani had violated the principle of collective responsibility and breached his constitutional and legal duties, in contravention of the Yemeni constitution, the Gulf Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the Declaration of Transfer of Power, and the laws governing the work of the Presidential Leadership Council and the Consultation and Reconciliation Body. The decision cited evidence that Al-Bahsani justified and endorsed the mobilization and deployment of armed forces affiliated with the dissolved council from outside Hadramout, with the aim of attacking the governorate and its civil, military and private institutions. The council referred to a video recording dated Dec. 2, 2025, describing the actions as an armed rebellion outside the authority of the state and a direct challenge to sovereign decisions issued by the Presidential Leadership Council. The statement said Al-Bahsani's actions obstructed efforts to unify military and security forces under the Ministries of Defense and Interior, in violation of the Declaration of Transfer of Power and the Riyadh Agreement, and constituted a serious breach of the constitutional obligations of council members. It added that Al-Bahsani supported unilateral measures led by Aidarus Al-Zubaidi, who has been referred to the public prosecutor, including actions described as undermining state unity and territorial integrity in Hadramout and Al-Mahrah. The council said this harmed regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and advance dialogue, including the Saudi-sponsored southern dialogue initiative. According to the decision, Al-Bahsani also misused his official status by issuing statements outside the state's official position, creating confusion domestically and internationally and damaging the credibility of the Yemeni state and its regional and international commitments. The council further cited Al-Bahsani's permanent medical incapacity, saying it prevented him from carrying out his duties and was used to obstruct the work of the council, alongside repeated absences and a breakdown in institutional communication during critical periods marked by serious security escalation. A council source said Al-Bahsani had been formally warned last week over his absence from duties, but responded by claiming he remained in contact with the leadership.
