Aden, Yemen – In a move described as the most significant since its founding, the Southern Transitional Council announced on Friday the adoption of a “constitutional declaration”
that outlines a comprehensive political and legal path to restore the fully sovereign state of South Arabia.
Setting 2028 as the final deadline for completing the transitional phase and building independent state institutions.
The announcement comes amid large public gatherings in various southern governorates,
which the council considered an expression of unity and popular mandate.
A political message reflecting the aspirations of southerners for security, stability, development, and state-building.
Political Declaration Statement issued by the Southern Transitional Council
The Southern Transitional Council commends the achievements and gains made
by the sons of our southern people in assuming responsibility for securing and managing their regions
and ending security threats, smuggling, terrorism and the state of chaos.
And to stop the depletion of their resources, as this represents a responsible step towards achieving the aspirations of this people.
This is in restoring and declaring his state, which will be a strong shield and a true ally to its surroundings and neighbors.
These mass gatherings across the South reflect unity and everyone’s aspirations for a more stable future.
And in a way that the people of the South achieve their aspirations and ambitions
for security, prosperity, development and construction.
Based on the desire and will of our southern people to restore and declare their state,
and in accordance with the popular mandate and national responsibility
Statements and positions issued by the elites and leaders of the state, government,
and local authorities in the southern governorates,
Recognizing the magnitude of the risks surrounding the existing political partnership in general,
and the South in particular, and in order to avoid further conflicts and divisions.
Two-year transition period
We announce the start of a two-year transitional phase, and the Transitional Council calls on
the international community to sponsor dialogue between the concerned parties in the south
and the north regarding a path and mechanisms that guarantee the rights of the people of the south.
Within the specified timeframe, this will be accompanied by a popular referendum
to regulate the exercise of the right to self-determination for the people of the South.
Through peaceful, transparent mechanisms consistent with established international rules and practices,
and with the participation of international observers.
The Transitional Council also calls upon all state institutions and bodies, the government,
and local authorities during the transitional phase and the period preceding it,
This is to enable it to carry out its work and perform its duties in normalizing life,
improving conditions and services, and ensuring the regular disbursement of salaries.
By organizing the revenue collection mechanism at the Central Bank
in the capital, Aden, as an independent central authority,
The Southern Transitional Council is extending its hand to determine the appropriate steps
and mechanisms in accordance with common denominators with all national forces in the north.
Achieving the aspirations of the people of the South
The statement continued, saying that the Southern Transitional Council proceeds
from a firm conviction that achieving the aspirations of the people of the South
This restoration of his state must be achieved through a safe and responsible phased process
that preserves the South’s legitimate rights.
It spares the North and the region the cost of new conflicts, and allows
for the restructuring of political and institutional conditions on fair and balanced foundations.
In this context, the Council emphasizes that this declaration fulfills the aspirations
of the people of the South in a gradual and safe manner.
It provides the North with a stable and responsible partner during the transitional phase.
It offers the region and the international community a clear political
and legal path that can be supported and built upon.
The Southern Transitional Council also affirms that fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the South will remain
the essence and spirit of this declaration, and that the Council does not view it as a concession.
Rather, it is an expression of the will of a people who have made sacrifices and deserve a legal path
that leads to their rights without exposing their security and stability
to additional risks that threaten peace and security in the region.
A call to all political forces
The Council reaffirms that the South, during the transitional phase, will remain a support
for its partners in the North, and a supporter of any effort that would confront the coup.
Rebuilding state institutions and achieving security and stability,
in a way that serves common interests and preserves the security of the region.
In conclusion, the Southern Transitional Council affirms that this stage represents an open political platform,
and renews its call to all political components and forces, without exception.
This is to engage in a constructive and responsible dialogue to discuss, enrich
and develop this stage, provided that this dialogue is based on clear principles.
Foremost among these is mutual recognition of core issues, at the heart of
which lies the issue of the South and the right of its people to self-determination;
Commitment to peaceful and consensual solutions and rejection of imposing facts by force;
respect for the popular will and the outcomes of any consensual path that is agreed upon;
Ensuring that dialogue is part of a serious and time-bound political process, not a tool for managing
or prolonging the crisis, to guarantee reaching a consensus that ensures rights.
It ends the deadlock and opens a new horizon for a fair and sustainable political
and legal solution that is in line with the interests of the South and the North.
All options remain on the table
The Southern Transitional Council reiterates its commitment to extending
its hand to all parties and actors for a serious and responsible understanding.
At the same time, he confirms that the transitional phase will end within two years from this date.
A constitutional declaration to restore the state of South Sudan has been approved
and will be announced today, and its implementation will begin on Sunday, January 2, 2028.
The Council emphasizes that this constitutional declaration is effective immediately and directly before that date.
This is in the event that the call is not answered or that the people of the South,
its lands, or its forces are subjected to any military attacks.
All options remain open to him, foremost among them this path, unless his demands
are taken into account within the framework called for by the Southern Transitional Council.
In accordance with the specified timeframe and with the participation
of the concerned parties and the international community.
