Aden, Yemen – A wave of massive demonstrations and sit-ins swept across all the governorates of South Arabia on Friday, in what observers described as an “open popular referendum” on independence. Crowds took to the streets in Aden, Al-Dhale’a, Hadramawt, Lahj, Abyan, and Al-Mahra under a single slogan: “Restoring the fully sovereign state of South Arabia.”
Popular momentum and renewed mandate
In response to calls from the Southern Transitional Council, led by President Aidarus al-Zubaidi, crowds flocked to main squares, particularly “Parade Square” in the capital, Aden, as well as in Mukalla in Hadramawt and Zinjibar in Abyan. Demonstrators waved the flags of the former South Yemen, chanting slogans such as “The South will not retreat” and “Our will is to stand firm until the state is restored.”
In their statements issued today, the participants affirmed their commitment to the pre-1990 borders and rejected any federalism projects or remaining within a unified Yemen.
The Transitional Council was given a popular mandate to declare secession and build independent state institutions.
The balance of power on the ground has changed
This popular uprising comes amid significant military developments, as southern forces have consolidated their control over most of the country, including the recent capture of Wadi Hadramawt and Al-Mahra Governorate. Southerners view this military expansion as a “securing of territory” and a practical step towards declaring an independent state, free from the control of northern forces.
Leaders in the Southern Movement affirmed that “the state of South Arabia is the key to stability,” stressing that the masses have proven today, through their steadfastness and determination, that they are the most difficult factor in any future political equation.
