Thousands Rally in Southern Yemen Demanding Independence from North

A significant protest took place in southern Yemen on March 15, 2024, with thousands of demonstrators calling for the secession of the southern region and showing unwavering support for the Southern Transitional Council (STC). This rally occurred in the Khor Maksar district of Aden, which is home to the region’s international airport and serves as Yemen’s interim capital where the internationally recognized government is located.

Demonstrators gathered to express their frustrations against Saudi Arabia and to rally around STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, whose leadership has been a focal point for the separatist movement. Supporters waved flags representing South Yemen, a territory that existed as an independent state from 1967 until its unification with the north in 1990. Footage aired by the STC’s satellite news channel, AIC, depicted large crowds chanting slogans in favor of al-Zubaidi and the council’s ambition to declare an independent southern state.

The backdrop of this rally reflects Yemen’s ongoing civil war, which has persisted since 2014. The conflict began when Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, captured the capital, Sanaa, prompting the internationally recognized government to flee first to the south and later into exile in Saudi Arabia. The STC was established in 2017 as a coalition for various groups advocating for the restoration of southern independence, driven by grievances over perceived neglect in the unified Yemen.

Complex Dynamics in Yemen’s Conflict

The STC has received substantial backing from the United Arab Emirates, which has provided both military and financial support. In 2022, the STC aligned itself with an anti-Houthi coalition led by Saudi Arabia. Recently, tensions escalated as the STC made territorial gains in the Hadramout and al-Mahra governorates, displacing forces aligned with Riyadh. This shift has heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, revealing a rift as both nations navigate their involvement in Yemen’s conflict.

Ahmed al-Sheaiby, an STC supporter, articulated his commitment to the cause during the rally, stating, “Our state is coming, no matter the challenges.” Fellow protester Marwan al-Dahli echoed this sentiment, expressing determination to continue demonstrating until the southern state is restored. Many believe that independence would lead to improved living conditions and control over local resources, particularly oil and gas, which they feel are being exploited by the northern government.

In December 2023, following STC advances in southern governorates, the Saudi-backed forces regained control of key areas, including Hadramout and the presidential palace in Aden. Shortly thereafter, the STC announced its dissolution, a decision that some members contested. On March 14, 2024, the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council appointed Shae’a al-Zandani, the Foreign Minister, as the new prime minister after the resignation of Salem bin Breik.

The political maneuvering continues as the Vice President of the council, Abdualla al-Alimi, emphasized the need for focused efforts to stabilize the region. In light of military operations along the Saudi border in December, Saudi officials welcomed the STC’s previous announcement to dissolve, viewing it as a step towards ensuring national security.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

As protests unfold, the humanitarian situation in Yemen remains dire. Ramesh Rajasingham, the U.N. aid coordinator, informed the U.N. Security Council that Yemen’s humanitarian crisis is worsening, with over 18 million people—approximately half the population—expected to face acute food insecurity next month. He highlighted that funding shortages and operational challenges, particularly in Houthi-controlled areas, severely limit aid distribution.

In a video briefing, Rajasingham underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that girls and women are disproportionately affected, and nearly half of the children under five are acutely malnourished. U.N. special envoy Hans Grundberg warned that Yemen’s political, economic, and security challenges are interconnected, stating that progress in one area depends on advances in the others.

As the situation in southern Yemen evolves, the prospect of a conference in Riyadh, intended to address the southern crisis and engage influential figures, remains uncertain. The international community watches closely, aware that the conflict’s resolution is essential for restoring stability in the region.