Southern Yemen group declares transition period ahead of self-determination vote

The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks the secession of South Yemen, has announced the start of a two-year transition period to be followed by a referendum on self-determination, describing the plan as a phased and secure path to meet Southern aspirations.

The Council said the transition would focus on launching dialogue between the South and the North and would take effect immediately if its call goes unanswered or if its forces are subjected to military attack.

The STC called on state institutions, government bodies, and local authorities to continue functioning during the transition, work to normalise public life, improve services, and ensure regular salary payments. It said this would be facilitated through a revenue-collection mechanism overseen by the Central Bank in the temporary capital, Aden, operating as an independent authority.

Reaffirming its openness to dialogue with political forces in the North, the Council said it was prepared to coordinate on agreed steps and mechanisms based on shared ground. It stressed that achieving Southern demands must follow a responsible course that avoids new conflicts, preserves regional stability, and enables a balanced reorganisation of political and institutional structures.

According to the statement, the initiative offers a clear roadmap that regional and international actors can support to ensure stability and security throughout the transition.

The STC said the restoration of what it calls the “Southern State” lies at the core of the announcement, framing the move as an expression of popular will pursued through a legal framework rather than a concession, and without increasing security risks. 

The statement concluded that while all options remain available, the Council favours this path unless its demands are addressed within the specified timeframe and with the involvement of relevant parties and the international community.

The announcement by STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi comes amid escalating tensions in Hadramawt’s Wadi and Sahara regions, particularly in the Al-Khash’a area, where clashes have broken out between government-affiliated Nation’s Shield forces and the STC.

The fighting coincided with the handover of military sites previously controlled by the STC. Sources said the confrontations followed troop movements aimed at removing STC forces from positions held since December, with reports also indicating airstrikes targeting STC positions.

Earlier, Hadramawt Governor Salem al-Khanbashi announced the launch of a security operation to take control of military sites in the province, saying the aim was to neutralise weapons and prevent the situation from sliding into chaos or further escalation.

By Tamilla Hasanova