Sana'a -- In a move that has sparked political controversy in Yemen, the Houthi Militia announced the dismissal of Ghazi Al-Ahwal from his position as Secretary-General of the General People’s Congress (GPC). 

The Houthis subsequently appointed Yahya Al-Ra’i, Speaker of the Houthi-controlled Parliament, as the party’s acting Secretary-General.

Local political sources described the decision as part of the Houthis’ broader strategy to tighten their grip on political institutions in Sana’a, where the group has exerted increasing influence over the GPC since the killing of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh in 2017.

Observers note that Al-Ahwal’s removal reflects internal disputes within the GPC and growing pressure from the Houthis to sideline figures perceived as insufficiently loyal. The appointment of Al-Ra’i, a veteran politician with longstanding ties to the Houthis, is seen as an attempt to consolidate control and ensure the party’s alignment with Houthi policies.

Critics argue that the move undermines the independence of the GPC, once Yemen’s dominant political party, and further illustrates the Houthis’ efforts to reshape the political landscape in their favor. 

Meanwhile, party members loyal to the internationally recognized government have condemned the decision, calling it illegitimate and warning of deeper divisions within the GPC.