Yemen: Massive Demonstrations Support the Southern Transitional Council and Criticize the Government

The city of Mukalla, capital of Hadramout Governorate in eastern Yemen, witnessed popular demonstrations on Tuesday where participants reaffirmed the right of the southern people to restore their state, renewing the mandate for the Southern Transitional Council and its president, Major General Aidarus al-Zoubaidi. These protests came at a time of escalating criticism of the government due to the deterioration of service and economic conditions.

A statement issued by the Southern Transitional Council reported that the participants in the demonstration, which coincides with the ninth anniversary of the historic Aden Declaration and the founding of the council, affirmed their full support for it as the political representative of the southern cause. The statement emphasized adherence to the right to self-determination and rejection of any political settlements that do not meet the aspirations of the southern people.

Mandate for al-Zoubaidi and Southern Unity

The gathered crowds renewed their confidence in President Aidarus al-Zoubaidi, affirming his absolute mandate until achieving the goal of restoring the southern state within its borders that existed before the conclusion of Yemeni unity on May 22, 1990. They also stressed the political and geographical unity of the south, rejecting any attempts at division or marginalization.

The statement called for strengthening southern unity through dialogue among various components, while affirming that the southern armed forces and security represent a "red line," and rejecting any efforts to dismantle them, including the Hadrami Elite Forces.

Sharp Criticism of Service and Economic Conditions

The participants from the people of Hadramout directed harsh criticism at the local authority, demanding it improve service conditions, pay salaries, and stop the economic deterioration. The statement held the local authority responsible for the deteriorating conditions in the governorate.

The statement called on the regional and international community to listen to the demands of southerners and respect their political will in any upcoming settlement, rejecting any attempts to bypass their representation or replace it with other entities.

Accusations of Suppressing Protesters and Solidarity with Gulf States

The participants in their statement condemned what they described as "the suppression of protesters in Mukalla" during previous mass events last April, demanding accountability for those responsible. They also accused government security forces of attempting to disrupt the current event by detaining a number of arrivals and preventing them from reaching its location.

The gathered crowds expressed their full solidarity with the Gulf states in the face of Iranian attacks they are subjected to, in reference to regional tensions.

The southern governorates of Yemen are witnessing simultaneous celebrations on the occasion of the ninth anniversary of the historic Aden Declaration, which stipulated the establishment of the Southern Transitional Council and its mandate by the people as the "political and military carrier" of the southern cause. The temporary capital, Aden, witnessed a similar mass gathering on Monday where participants renewed the council's mandate and their adherence to its president, Major General Aidarus al-Zoubaidi.