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Former Yemeni President Field Marshal Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi passed away in Riyadh on Thursday at the age of 81, marking the end of a significant chapter in Yemen's post-unification history. Hadi's tenure was closely tied to the nation's transitional period, the National Dialogue Conference, and the protracted war that erupted after the Houthi takeover in late 2014.

Throughout his career, Hadi was characterized as a quiet, institutional figure who preferred behind-the-scenes work and avoided overt confrontation, even when at the center of Yemen's gravest crises. This approach has led to a divided legacy: supporters view him as a consensus-builder who steered the country away from complete collapse, while critics hold him responsible for not adequately challenging the Houth-led expansion that resulted in the Houthi control of much of northern Yemen.

Born in 1945 in southern Yemen, Hadi pursued a military career, receiving training at institutions including Britain's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Egypt's Nasser Military Academy. He rose through the ranks in South Yemen and played a key role after the country's unification in 1990. His profile significantly increased during the 1994 war when he was appointed defense minister, later serving as vice president for nearly 18 years under President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Known as the "silent man" within the ruling establishment, Hadi maintained an image of a disciplined official, which made him acceptable to both domestic and international actors as a non-confrontational figure. This persona became particularly relevant during the 2011 protests against Saleh's rule, which led to a period of political turmoil and ultimately the Gulf initiative that transferred power to Hadi as a consensus candidate.