Aden, Yemen – On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the southern Yemeni governorates witnessed massive public gatherings and open-ended sit-ins demanding the declaration of the restoration of an independent “South Arabian state.” These protests, which have been steadily escalating since December 8, were called for directly by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC).
Popular movement after “establishing control”
The demonstrations and sit-ins spread to eight southern governorates: Aden, Lahj, Abyan, Al Dhale’a, Hadramawt, Shabwa, Al Mahrah, and Socotra.
This movement came shortly after the Southern Transitional Council forces established near-complete military control over these areas. This followed rapid military operations in Hadramawt and Al Mahrah (such as Operations “Promising Future” and “Decisive Action”).
The protesters are waving the flags of the former South Yemen and pictures of the head of the Southern Transitional Council, Aidarus al-Zubaidi. They are chanting slogans demanding a “second independence” or the immediate declaration of a fully sovereign state, believing the moment is ripe for secession.
Key escalation sites
The parade ground in Khor Maksar (Aden) is the central site of the open sit-in, where crowds gather daily, and which President Al-Zubaidi recently visited.
Other areas witnessed large public marches and rallies. These areas included Radfan, Al Mahfad (Abyan), Yafa (Lahj), Ash Shaib (Ad Dali’), Al Ghaydah (Al Mahrah), Ataq (Shabwah), and Sayun (Hadramawt).
Challenge of international recognition
These developments reflect a significant escalation in the southern issue. They present the regional and international community with a fait accompli: an entity effectively controlling the south. Despite the Southern Transitional Council’s de facto control, international recognition of the declaration of secession remains a major challenge. This is due to the complex regional and international interests in Yemen and the wider region.
The protests continue to this day, with ongoing calls for escalation if independence is not declared soon.
