Journalist Nabil Al-Sofi has stated that the Yemeni North has failed to forge a broad popular resistance movement against the Houthi group, despite ongoing public discontent fueled by deteriorating living and economic conditions.
Al-Sofi explained, in a statement published on social media, that the southern populace has consistently defended its cause under various circumstances, both during periods of war and peace, with or without support. He contrasted this with the question that remains regarding the stance of the public in Yemen's northern regions.
He pointed out that the Houthi group is incapable of providing services even to its supporters, asserting that it "has not been and will not be a popular choice." Al-Sofi believes the group's continued control is more dependent on armed force than any popular base.
Al-Sofi criticized the performance of anti-Houthi components, stating that political elites are preoccupied with the struggle for positions and entitlements, while citizens endure with patience and resilience without active engagement in an organized resistance effort. He added that fighters remain stationed on the front lines, but these fronts have been frozen by political decisions.
He considers the notion of effective authority and legitimacy incompatible with the reality of state institutions, which operate detached from the daily concerns and fundamental issues of citizens. Al-Sofi emphasized that national struggle in the North is threatened with transformation into conflicts related to power and funding, rather than focusing on the objective of restoring the state and ending the Houthi group's control.
