Saudi Arabia has agreed to host a comprehensive conference in Riyadh aimed at resolving the complex southern issue in Yemen, following a request from Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council. The conference seeks to bring together all southern Yemeni political components for dialogue, a move intended to foster a lasting political settlement. This development signals a renewed push for stability in the war-torn nation and addresses long-standing grievances within the south.
The announcement, made by the Saudi Kingdom on [Date – insert current date], comes as Yemen continues to grapple with the aftermath of a protracted civil war and ongoing humanitarian crisis. Al-Alimi formally requested Saudi Arabia’s assistance, citing the Kingdom’s crucial role in supporting Yemen’s security and political processes. The conference is expected to take place in the coming weeks, though a specific date has not yet been announced.
Addressing the Southern Issue in Yemen
The southern issue refers to the historical and political demands of the people residing in Yemen’s southern governorates, including calls for greater autonomy or even independence. These demands stem from a complex history, including a period of separate states in the south before unification in 1990. Since unification, southern Yemenis have often felt marginalized and underrepresented in the central government, fueling resentment and contributing to the outbreak of conflict.
Historical Context and Current Grievances
Prior to 1990, South Yemen existed as a separate socialist state, while North Yemen was a republic. The unification process was fraught with challenges, and many southerners believe promises of equitable representation were not fulfilled. This perceived imbalance has been a recurring theme in Yemeni politics, periodically erupting into separatist movements and armed conflict.
According to a statement from the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, the conference aims to ensure that any resolution to the southern issue is inclusive and reflects the diverse aspirations of the southern population. The Council emphasized that the issue cannot be monopolized by any single faction and requires a collective national will.
However, tensions already exist within the southern movement. Several southern political groups have recently criticized Aidarus al-Zubaidi, a prominent leader, accusing him of attempting to impose exclusive representation and undermining southern unity. These groups are advocating for a broad-based dialogue conference under Saudi sponsorship to achieve a just and comprehensive resolution.
Saudi Arabia’s Role and Previous Agreements
Saudi Arabia has long maintained that the southern question is a legitimate political matter requiring a peaceful resolution. The Kingdom’s willingness to host and sponsor the conference underscores its commitment to facilitating a comprehensive political settlement in Yemen. This initiative builds upon previous Saudi-led efforts, including the Riyadh Agreement, which aimed to address power-sharing and security arrangements between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
The Riyadh Agreement, signed in 2019, faced numerous challenges in implementation, and the current conference is seen as an opportunity to revisit and strengthen these agreements. Additionally, the conference is expected to consider the outcomes of Yemen’s National Dialogue Conference, the Gulf Initiative, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. These frameworks provide a foundation for a negotiated settlement.
The Presidential Leadership Council has stressed the importance of rejecting the imposition of political realities through force and safeguarding the rights and security of all Yemeni citizens. This commitment to peaceful dialogue is seen as crucial for building trust and fostering a sustainable solution to the southern issue. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated existing grievances and created a complex security landscape, making a negotiated settlement all the more urgent.
Meanwhile, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely. The United Nations has repeatedly called for a comprehensive and inclusive political process to address the root causes of the conflict in Yemen, including the grievances of the southern population. The success of the Riyadh conference will likely be seen as a key indicator of progress towards a lasting peace.
The next step will be the formal announcement of the conference date and the invitation of participants. The composition of the delegation from each southern faction will be a critical factor in determining the success of the talks. Observers will be watching closely to see whether all key stakeholders, including the STC, agree to participate constructively and engage in good-faith negotiations. The timeline for reaching a final agreement remains uncertain, and the potential for renewed conflict remains a significant concern.
