Abyan, Yemen – The city of Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan Governorate, witnessed an unprecedented million-person rally on Saturday under the banner “Million-Person March of Steadfastness and Loyalty.”
In this massive public demonstration, the governorate reaffirmed its allegiance to the Southern Transitional Council and declared
its rejection of all conspiracies targeting the cause of the people of southern Yemen and its political and military institutions.
Renewing the mandate and rejecting the “solution”
Participants in the million-person rally renewed their popular mandate for President Aidarus al-Zubaidi to lead the transitional phase
until the restoration of the fully sovereign state of South Yemen within its pre-1990 borders.
The concluding statement issued by the event categorically rejected the
so-called “decision to dissolve the Southern Transitional Council.”
The statement affirmed that this measure lacks both legal and popular legitimacy and is worthless.
The crowds declared their full support for the Constitutional Declaration issued in January 2016
and demanded the immediate implementation of all its provisions.
Condemnation of the repression and a demand for the release of “Al-Da’ari”
The million-strong demonstration in Zanzibar strongly condemned the acts of repression and killing targeting peaceful protesters in Hadramawt and Shabwa. It held the Saudi-backed forces fully responsible for the “Shabwa massacre,” which left six martyrs and dozens wounded.
In a related matter, the statement called on Saudi Arabia to immediately release Defense Minister Lieutenant General Mohsen al-Daari. It also called for lifting the restrictions imposed on the Southern Transitional Council delegation and enabling its return to the capital, Aden.
The demonstrators denounced the storming of the National Assembly headquarters and the restrictions imposed on the “Aden Independent Channel.” They also warned against any attempts to weaken the Southern Armed Forces.
The participants affirmed that these forces are the sole guarantee for protecting the gains achieved. Their role is pivotal in combating terrorism, and any attack on them is a direct attack on the security of the South.
Widespread solidarity and international messages
The million-person rally witnessed a remarkable turnout of women from Abyan, who led the way, affirming their unity of purpose. The event conveyed several messages of full solidarity with the people of Seiyun and condemned the arrest campaigns targeting leaders and activists of the Southern Transitional Council there.
Furthermore, the rally called on the United Nations to recognize the right of the people of South Yemen to self-determination. It also urged international organizations to document the violations and airstrikes targeting Southern forces.
The Southern Transitional Council leadership in Abyan stated: “This massive rally sends a clear message to the world that the will of the people of South Yemen is unwavering and cannot be ignored or circumvented by any force. We remain committed to the Southern National Charter and to maintaining unity in order to confront all challenges.”
