OIC Reaffirms Support For Yemeni Legitimacy And Regional Security Amid Crisis

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has restated its strong backing for the Republic of Yemen and for the security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, warning that any threat to either country risks wider regional instability and concerns the entire Islamic world.

Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha underlined that Yemen’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity remain central to the OIC’s position. Taha also reaffirmed support for the legitimate Yemeni government, represented by the President of the Presidential Leadership Council and the internationally recognised cabinet, as the key authority for managing the country’s affairs.

Taha stressed that the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia are regarded by the OIC as untouchable limits that must not be crossed. He noted that any attack or threat against the Kingdom’s security is seen as a direct challenge to the stability of the region and the wider Islamic community, confirming full solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s protective measures.

Linking Yemen’s conflict with regional dynamics, Taha stated that any deterioration in Yemen’s security or stability could spill over beyond its borders. For this reason, the OIC treats the situation as a regional security concern, not only a domestic crisis, especially for Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and neighbouring members.

The secretary-general repeated the OIC’s categorical rejection of any steps that might weaken Yemen’s unity or damage its constitutional legitimacy and national institutions. This message came against the background of recent events inside Yemen, where shifts on the ground have raised concerns about parallel authorities and competing centres of power.

In this context, Taha condemned any actions or practices by the Southern Transitional Council that could endanger Yemen’s unity. He said such behaviour undermines efforts to achieve peace, complicates mediation work and prolongs the conflict at the expense of ordinary Yemenis seeking security and basic services.

OIC views on Yemeni institutions and regional steps

Taha highlighted the need to preserve and strengthen Yemeni state institutions, including political, security and administrative bodies. According to the OIC, stronger national structures are essential for delivering services, maintaining order and meeting the Yemeni people’s aspirations for security, stability and development across all regions of the country.

The secretary-general welcomed the announcement of the United Arab Emirates’ withdrawal of forces from Yemen, calling it a positive contribution to lowering tensions. Taha described the move as supporting de-escalation efforts and reducing the risk to civilians, by helping to limit direct military engagement and easing pressure in contested areas.

Looking ahead, Taha urged continued political and diplomatic engagement to reach a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Yemeni crisis. He called on all Yemeni parties to respect legitimacy, abandon violence and put dialogue and the higher interests of Yemen and its people first, while protecting the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as reported by SPA at 17:31 local time, 14:31 GMT.

With inputs from SPA