Supreme Political Council

The Supreme Political Council (SPC) is an important group that was set up in 2016 to help lead parts of Yemen during a difficult time. It was created in Sanaa by the Houthis and their supporters to govern the areas they control. This happened during the Yemeni Civil War, when it was unclear who should run the country. The SPC makes big decisions for these areas and chooses leaders for different parts of the government.

The SPC started with ten members and was first led by Saleh Ali al-Sammad. After he passed away in 2018, Mahdi al-Mashat became the leader. The council has helped set up governments and manage daily life in the areas it controls. Even though many countries and groups do not recognize the SPC, it has been supported by Iran. The council has faced many challenges, but it continues to play an important role in Yemen's politics.

Background

After the president and prime minister left in early 2015, Houthi rebels took over the presidential palace. The Houthi leader wanted to create a special group to lead the country, but the Southern Movement did not agree. The Houthis warned they would take control if no agreement was made.

On February 6, 2015, the Houthis took control of Sanaa. They said they would end the old parliament and make a new council to lead Yemen for two years. They also planned to form a special committee to help set up a new national council.

Current members

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists the following members of the SPC:

Cabinets

On 10 August 2024, Ahmed al-Rahawi became the prime minister of Yemen. He was chosen by the President of the Supreme Political Council Mahdi al-Mashat. He made a new government called the 'Government of Change and Construction'. This government is not recognized by most countries. It is different from another group that leads Yemen from Aden.

Before this, from 2016 to 2023, there was another government in parts of Yemen. This was called the National Salvation Government. It was led by Abdel-Aziz bin Habtour. This government was not recognized by other countries either.

Diplomatic relations with other states

The Supreme Political Council has diplomatic relations with several countries, mainly Iran. It also had ties with Ba'athist Syria from 2015 to 2023. The council keeps contacts with Russia, Abkhazia, and North Korea. Over the years, it has reached out to many nations, sending messages to countries like Algeria, Bahamas, Comoros, and others. These efforts show the council’s try to build international connections despite conflicts in Yemen.