Protests have swept across Yemen in the wake of the president’s resignation which has left a gaping political void.<br /><br /> In the south of the country, thousands called for their region to secede as Houthi militia tightened their grip on the capital.<br /><br /> Houthi supporters and pro-democracy activists staged rival rallies in Sana’a.<br /><br /> President Hadi stepped down after the Shi’ite militia took control of the capital in September, making him a virtual prisoner inside his residence.<br /><br /> The Yemeni parliament is scheduled to meet on Sunday to accept or reject his resignation, and the pressure is on to find a solution.<br /><br /> The Houthis have proposed a ruling council, but an alliance of parties rejected it, and they are now holding talks with different factions to plot their next move.<br /><br /> With no president, there are fears that al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch could take advantage of the political vacuum.
