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Yemen's Southern Transitional Council Sets 2028 Deadline for Independence Referendum

The Southern Transitional Council has declared a two-year transitional period to administer southern Yemen, aiming for a constitutional declaration in 2028 to restore the former State of South Yemen. STC chief Aidarous Al-Zubaidi stated this would be followed by a referendum on self-determination, conducted to international standards. The announcement comes amid fierce clashes between STC forces and Yemeni government troops over control of strategic locations in the oil-rich Hadramout province. This move deepens the complex fragmentation within Yemen's multi-layered conflict, despite the STC's nominal integration into the Saudi-backed ruling council.

Key Points: Yemen's STC Declares 2-Year Transition, Plans Independence Vote

  • STC announces 2-year transitional rule
  • Constitutional declaration set for 2028
  • Plan for independence referendum
  • Clashes intensify in Hadramout province
2 min read

Yemen's STC declares 2-year transitional phase ahead of referendum

Yemen's STC announces a two-year transitional administration in the south, leading to a 2028 constitutional declaration and referendum on independence amid ongoing clashes.

"The two-year transitional period will conclude with a constitutional declaration to restore the State of South Yemen. - Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, STC Chief"

Aden, Jan 3

Chief of Yemen's Southern Transitional Council Aidarous Al-Zubaidi announced here on Friday the launch of a two-year transitional period during which the council will administer the southern parts of the country, to be followed by a referendum on the independence of the south.

In a televised speech delivered via the STC-affiliated AIC channel, Al-Zubaidi said the move was based on what he called a popular mandate and recent security and administrative developments in the region, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The two-year transitional period will conclude with a constitutional declaration to restore the State of South Yemen," Al-Zubaidi said, adding that the declaration is scheduled to take effect on January 2, 2028.

Following the transitional phase will be a popular referendum on self-determination, to be conducted through peaceful and transparent mechanisms and in line with internationally-recognised standards, he said.

However, the constitutional declaration in 2028 could take effect ahead of schedule if the STC's "calls go unheeded, or if the people, territory or forces of southern Yemen are subjected to any military aggression," he noted, adding that "all options remain on the table."

The Saudi-backed Yemeni government has yet to comment on the STC's announcement.

The announcement came amid fierce clashes between STC-affiliated forces and Yemeni government troops over control of military bases and state institutions in the southeastern oil-rich province of Hadramout.

During the past hours, fighting has intensified as both sides seek to expand their influence in the strategically important region, according to local sources.

Local media reports and military sources said Saudi warplanes intensified airstrikes on multiple locations in Hadramout earlier in the day, including Seiyun Airport and its surrounding areas, causing casualties.

Yemen has been mired in conflict since 2014, when Houthi forces captured Sanaa and large swathes of the north, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in 2015.

Formed in 2017, the United Arab Emirates-sponsored STC seeks self-determination and eventual independence for southern Yemen. Despite joining the Saudi-led coalition and integrating into Yemen's ruling Presidential Leadership Council in 2022, the group continues to push for southern sovereignty, leading to recurring disputes over power-sharing and control of resources.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see the regional powers like UAE and Saudi Arabia involved so deeply. Reminds us how external support can shape internal conflicts. The oil-rich Hadramout province is clearly the prize here. Hope stability returns for the sake of ordinary citizens.
V
Vikram M
From an Indian perspective, our primary concern should be the safety of the Indian diaspora in Yemen and the region's overall stability, which affects trade routes. The government's statement of "all options remain on the table" is worrying. More dialogue is needed, not threats.
R
Rohit P
The article mentions the conflict started in 2014. A decade of war is devastating for any nation. While the STC's plan for a referendum sounds democratic, the ground reality of fierce clashes and airstrikes tells a different story. Peace should be the first priority, not more division. 🙏
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I think the reporting could provide more context on what the "popular mandate" actually is. How was it measured? The declaration seems to be made by a council, not necessarily by a vote of all southern people. Transparency from the start is crucial for legitimacy.
A
Aditya G
Geopolitics in the Gulf affects us all. A fragmented Yemen could become a bigger hub for non-state actors, which is a security concern. India has always supported a united, stable, and sovereign Yemen. Hope the international community pushes for a negotiated settlement.

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