Aden, Yemen – In a significant development for Yemen’s complex political landscape, a group of members affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced its dissolution on Friday. The move, intended to facilitate participation in the upcoming Southern Dialogue Conference in Riyadh, signals a potential shift in the approach to addressing the long-standing southern issue in Yemen. The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to find a lasting resolution to the country’s civil war.
The decision was made public in a statement released by the dissenting STC members, who cited a perceived failure to achieve the council’s stated goals. The group also distanced itself from recent military operations in Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah governorates, asserting they were not consulted on the actions and believe they were detrimental to the broader southern cause. The announcement was reportedly made during a meeting attended by prominent figures Abu Zara’a Al-Mahrami and Ahmed Saeed bin Brik.
Understanding the Dissolution of the Southern Transitional Council
The Southern Transitional Council was formed in 2017, advocating for autonomy or independence for South Yemen. The region has a history of separatist sentiment, stemming from its prior existence as an independent state before unification with North Yemen in 1990. However, internal divisions and disagreements over strategy have plagued the council since its inception.
Reasons for the Split
The STC members who announced the dissolution highlighted a lack of progress towards their objectives as a primary reason for their decision. They believe the council’s approach had become ineffective in securing meaningful gains for the south. Additionally, the group expressed disapproval of the recent military escalation in eastern Yemen, arguing it undermined efforts to build a unified southern front. According to the statement, they were excluded from the decision-making process regarding these operations.
The timing of this announcement is crucial. It precedes the Saudi-hosted Southern Dialogue Conference, which aims to bring together various southern factions to discuss a unified vision for the region’s future. The dissolving members hope their move will encourage broader participation and a more constructive dialogue.
The Riyadh Conference and its Objectives
The Southern Dialogue Conference, scheduled to be held in Riyadh, represents a key initiative by Saudi Arabia to mediate a resolution to the Yemen conflict. The conference seeks to address the grievances of the south and explore potential political arrangements, ranging from greater autonomy within a unified Yemen to outright independence. Saudi Arabia has been a key player in the Yemeni conflict, supporting the internationally recognized government against the Houthi rebels.
The conference is expected to involve representatives from a wide range of southern groups, including the STC, southern political parties, and tribal leaders. The goal is to forge a consensus on a roadmap for the future of South Yemen, a process complicated by deep-seated divisions and competing interests. The success of the conference hinges on the willingness of these factions to compromise and prioritize a unified southern position.
Meanwhile, the internationally recognized government of Yemen, based in Aden, has yet to officially comment on the STC members’ announcement. The government has historically viewed the STC with suspicion, fearing its separatist ambitions could further fragment the country. However, the ongoing conflict with the Houthis has necessitated a degree of cooperation between the two sides, particularly in the fight against a common enemy.
Implications for the Southern Issue and Yemen’s Future
The dissolution of this faction within the STC could potentially streamline negotiations at the Riyadh conference. A more unified southern delegation might be better positioned to present a coherent set of demands and engage in meaningful dialogue with the Yemeni government and Saudi mediators. However, it also introduces uncertainty, as the future role of the dissenting members remains unclear.
The political landscape in Yemen remains highly volatile. The ongoing civil war has created a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis facing starvation and displacement. A resolution to the southern issue is widely seen as a crucial step towards achieving a lasting peace in the country. The success of the Riyadh conference will be a significant indicator of whether such a resolution is attainable.
The recent developments also highlight the complex interplay of regional interests in Yemen. Saudi Arabia’s role as a mediator is driven by its desire to stabilize its southern border and counter the influence of Iran, which is accused of supporting the Houthi rebels. The outcome of the Southern Dialogue Conference will likely have significant implications for the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Looking ahead, the immediate focus will be on the preparations for the Southern Dialogue Conference in Riyadh. The conference is expected to begin in the coming weeks, although a specific date has not yet been announced. Observers will be closely watching to see whether the various southern factions can overcome their differences and forge a unified vision for the future. The ultimate success of the conference, and the future of South Yemen, remains uncertain, dependent on the willingness of all parties to engage in good-faith negotiations and compromise.
