Aden, Yemen – The head of the Southern Transitional Council, Aidarus al-Zubaidi, has issued a public call for a million-person rally in the heart of the capital, Aden, this coming Friday afternoon. This call comes as an escalation aimed at supporting the council’s new political direction and demanding the release of its leaders.
Support for the constitutional declaration
This call comes as a message of popular support for the “constitutional declaration” adopted by the council. This is happening amidst an atmosphere of political anticipation regarding the future of the situation in the southern provinces. Through this mobilization, the council seeks to solidify the legitimacy of its demands for independence and its authority to manage the affairs of the south.
Demands for the release of the detained delegation
Al-Zubaidi emphasized that the rally’s primary and direct aim was to pressure for the immediate and unconditional release of the council’s delegation, which is being held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The delegation had departed to participate in the “South-South Dialogue” before news ceased of their departure. Al-Zubaidi considered this a move that necessitates a broad popular mobilization to express categorical rejection of this detention and to demand the delegation’s return to resume its duties.
Political messages abroad
Observers believe that choosing the capital, Aden, as the location for the rally on Friday afternoon carries strong symbolic significance. The Southern Transitional Council also seeks to demonstrate the extent of popular support for its leadership and political demands. Furthermore, this move aims to send a message to the international and regional community that popular will is the primary driver of any future political process in the region.
