Yemen's former Southern Transitional Council leader vows from UAE to establish South Yemen state
Aidarous al-Zoubaidi claims southern region entered 'new phase' based on popular will despite military setbacks, council's dissolution
ISTANBUL
Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the leader of the recently dissolved Yemen's Southern Transitional Council, reaffirmed his commitment Saturday to establishing a southern Yemeni state in his first remarks since fleeing to the United Arab Emirates.
Writing on social media from the UAE, al-Zubaidi stated that residents in the southern region entered a new phase, defined by determination and unity, asserting that the will of the people is being imposed on the regional and international stage.
Addressing the south, the separatist leader argued that residents have proven to the world that they are the legitimate owners of the land. He claimed that their free will is the true source of legitimacy and that their voices can no longer be ignored.
Referring to a demonstration Friday in Yemen's temporary capital, Aden, al-Zubaidi claimed that millions gathered in the squares.
He argued that the gathering served as a definitive political message confirming adherence to the constitutional declaration regarding the restoration of the "South Yemen State," which the council announced Jan. 2.
He emphasized that residents would not accept any solution that undermines their rights or imposes an unacceptable reality.
Al-Zubaidi pledged to continue until southern residents’ national goals are achieved, asserting that victory will be won through determination and the future state will be built by their will.
Forces aligned with the United Arab Emirates-backed council seized the Hadramout and Al-Mahrah provinces in early December but were pushed back by the Saudi-led Arab Coalition.
Following the setbacks and al-Zubaidi's flight to the UAE, the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council revoked his membership and initiated legal proceedings against him for treason, leading to the group's dissolution on Jan. 9.
The STC has long pushed for the secession of southern Yemen, arguing thatgovernments have marginalized the region politically and economically. Yemeni authorities reject the claim and insist on preserving the country’s territorial unity.
North and South Yemen were unified May 22, 1990, forming the Republic of Yemen.
