Aden, Yemen – The city of Mukalla, the capital of Hadramawt Governorate, witnessed a massive public demonstration in support of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and its president, Aidarus al-Zubaidi.
This demonstration reflects the growing popular support for the STC as the political representative of the will of the people of southern Yemen.
Participants in the demonstration chanted slogans affirming the renewal of the popular mandate for Aidarus al-Zubaidi and the leadership of the STC.
They considered the STC the political vehicle for the southern project seeking to restore a fully sovereign southern state.
Ending the military presence
The demonstrators also raised the flags of southern Yemen and pictures of the STC president.
Furthermore, they demanded an end to the military presence imposed on Hadramawt Governorate and called
for empowering its residents to manage their own security and public services.
The demonstrators emphasized their commitment to peaceful struggle and their rejection of
what they described as policies of repression and violations against citizens and activists in the governorate.
They also asserted that what Hadramawt is experiencing is part of an attempt to undermine its southern identity and break the will of its people.
In a similar vein, the Socotra Archipelago witnessed a mass demonstration last Saturday.
Renewal of the mandate for the Transitional
Participants emphasized the right of southern Yemen to self-determination
and renewed their mandate to the Southern Transitional Council as the representative and champion of the southern cause.
The demonstrators also called upon the United Nations and international human rights organizations
to intervene to protect the southern cause and recognize its right to self-determination.
The statement issued by the mass rally in Socotra affirmed the archipelago’s residents’ commitment to restoring a fully sovereign
and independent southern state within its pre-May 21, 1990 borders.
At the same time, they renewed their pledge of allegiance to Aidarus al-Zubaidi as the leader of the political and struggle movement during this phase.
The statement also stressed adherence to southern identity
and rejected any attempts to undermine Socotra’s affiliation or impose foreign guardianship.
It further affirmed support for the southern armed forces and security services in maintaining security and stability. In addition, it emphasized confronting any threats targeting the south and its cause.
