Nabil Al-Sufi, a prominent journalist and writer, has asserted that the ongoing crisis in northern Yemen, characterized by political fragmentation and a vacuum of power, is directly contributing to the Houthis' growing influence. He argues that the root of the problem lies in the collapse of the social and political structures that underpinned the previous ruling system.
Al-Sufi stated on social media that the disregard for serious dialogue among northern Yemeni factions has trapped the country in a cycle of recurring crises, albeit with different slogans and presentations, failing to address the underlying causes of the current predicament.
He elaborated that the fragmentation and political void in the north were not solely a consequence of the 2011 political disputes between the government and opposition. Instead, he attributes it to the fracturing of the ruling social alliance, which ultimately saw a coalition including figures like Ali Mohsen Al-Ahmar, Hameed Al-Ahmar, and the Muslim Brotherhood seize power, while the "margin of the state," represented by the late President Ali Abdullah Saleh and certain military and civilian leaders, was defeated.
The journalist further explained that the state itself was defeated in that period, replaced by partisan and tribal banners that believed they could substitute state institutions. However, these groups soon proved incapable of managing the political landscape, leading to their downfall and the subsequent rise of the Houthi movement, which has since gained control over significant parts of the country.
Al-Sufi observed that political forces continue to perpetuate the same conflicts, as if Yemen only consists of these specific parties and their adversaries. He considers this approach to be exacerbating the crisis rather than seeking realistic solutions that acknowledge the country's recent transformations.
He believes that resolving this conflict cannot be achieved by recreating old alliances, especially since most members of the former ruling coalition are now abroad. Al-Sufi called for moving beyond discussions intended to create confusion and resurrect past grievances.
Instead, he advocates for the formation of a new political and social alliance in the north, centered on active forces and components in the governorates of Marib, Taiz, Hodeidah (Tahama), Ibb, and Raymah. This, he suggests, would help restore balance to the republic, in parallel with supporting national forces within Saada, Hajjah, and Sana'a.
Al-Sufi emphasized that the current phase demands a national project that eschews replicating past formulas and acknowledges the sacrifices of various governorates and social components, including Amran and Dhamar. He highlighted their significance as social blocs that have demonstrated presence and influence during years of conflict, beyond traditional frameworks based on sheikhdoms and tribal influence.
He stressed the importance of reaching consensus on building an inclusive state that protects all its citizens, founded on the principle of equal citizenship and national partnership. Furthermore, he underscored the necessity of presenting a clear vision for the southern issue to facilitate common understandings that contribute to achieving stability.
Al-Sufi concluded by reiterating that the crisis in the north remains deep and complex, and that the Houthi movement draws a substantial portion of its staying power from the continuation and exacerbation of this crisis. Therefore, he asserted that addressing the structural and political imbalances in the north is a primary priority for any national project aiming to restore the state and end the conflict.
