UAE-Backed Yemeni Council Announces Transition Plan for Southern Independence
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, head of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), announced a two-year transitional phase to reclaim an independent South Yemen in a televised statement on Friday. Al-Zubaidi claimed the move reflects the “will of the southern people to restore and declare their sovereign state” and is based on “popular mandate and national responsibility,” framing it as a measure to prevent “escalating conflicts and internal divisions.”
The STC leader urged the UN and international community to facilitate time-bound, internationally supervised negotiations between southern and northern factions, coupled with a referendum on self-determination for southern residents. He asserted that the transition phase provides a “clear political and legal path” for global and regional stakeholders, calling on state institutions to normalize services, ensure regular salary payments, and stabilize living conditions during this period.
Al-Zubaidi emphasized that political dialogues must follow a “timed framework rejecting any imposition of realities by force” to achieve a just and lasting solution. The STC’s stated goal is to “avoid further conflicts and secure a safe future for South Yemen.” The council reaffirmed its support for northern partners in combating coups, rebuilding state institutions, and ensuring regional security – measures it claims serve “common interests and regional stability.”
The STC warned that if its call for dialogue is ignored or if southern territories or forces face military attacks, its constitutional declaration for South Yemen would immediately take effect. Al-Zubaidi stated “all options remain on the table” unless southern demands are addressed within the specified timeframe through inclusive negotiations.
In a published document titled “Constitutional Declaration of the Arab Southern State,” the STC outlined provisions for the claimed sovereign state with Aden as its capital, adopting the internationally recognized borders of the former People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen. The proposed political system would separate powers within a “civil democratic state,” with a public referendum to determine the transitional government’s final form.
The declaration comes as Saudi warplanes conducted multiple airstrikes on STC positions on Friday, reportedly killing eight people. Clashes continue in Seiyun district, where Riyadh-aligned forces have vowed to liberate the city.
