Aden, Yemen – A massive public rally was held yesterday, Thursday, in Radfan district of Lahj governorate, with thousands of people from the southern governorates participating. The rally aimed to express their categorical rejection of the return of Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council. They also rejected the return of any northern leaders to the capital, Aden.
Renewing the popular mandate
During the demonstration held at the Martyrs’ Square, participants raised banners affirming:
Renewal of the full mandate for Major General Aidarus al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council, to lead the current phase.
Rejection of dissolution decisions: Any declaration regarding the dissolution of the Southern Transitional Council is considered “null and void.”
Adherence to the established frameworks: Emphasis that the political statement and constitutional declaration issued on January 2nd constitute the “sole national framework.”
Political and human rights demands
The event’s concluding statement emphasized that any dialogues or negotiations that do not guarantee the restoration of an “independent federal state” within its pre-1994 borders are incomplete and do not represent the aspirations of the people.
On the ground and human rights front, the demonstrators addressed a message to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which included:
A demand for the immediate release of Defense Minister Lieutenant General Mohsen al-Daari.
The lifting of restrictions imposed on the Southern Transitional Council delegation and facilitating its return to Aden.
Note: This news reflects the escalating political situation in the southern governorates. It also reflects the position of popular forces regarding the recent developments within the Presidential Leadership Council.
