Yemen: UAE-Yemen row over Socotra ends May 14 /update 1

Event

On Monday, May 14, Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Obeid bin Daghr announced the end of a UAE-Yemen diplomatic row over Socotra. He claimed that "the crisis on the island is over" and that the Yemeni flag was flying at seaports and airports on the island.

Context

The UAE had recently increased its military presence on Socotra amid a row with the internationally recognized Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi and their support of the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC), which currently maintains de facto control of Aden. Abu Dhabi has constructed a military base and intelligence communications center on Socotra, home to potentially strategic ports for Red Sea shipping amid ongoing instability in Yemen, and has also reportedly conducted a census and flown residents of the island to the UAE for free medical care and job opportunities. Residents of Socotra carried out several protests against the increased UAE presence and accused Abu Dhabi of attempting to exploit natural resources and tourism opportunities on the island.

Advice

Individuals on Socotra are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and home governments.