Al-Dhale’a, Yemen – Under the slogan “Steadfastness, Resilience, and Defiance,” Al-Dhale’a Governorate witnessed a massive rally this morning, Monday, described as an “unprecedented gathering.” Thousands of residents of the governorate, along with visitors from Hadramawt, Shabwa, Abyan, Lahj, and the capital, Aden, participated. The event aimed to send a strong political message, both domestically and internationally, regarding the future of the southern cause.
Renewing the covenant: Al-Zubaidi “the sole bearer”
Amidst a sea of South Yemeni flags and the South Yemeni national anthem, crowds gathered in “Freedom Square” for a demonstration organized by the Southern Transitional Council (STC). Participants affirmed their complete support for President Aidarus al-Zubaidi. They also renewed their pledge of allegiance to him as the sole legitimate political representative of the aspirations of the people of South Yemen to restore their fully sovereign state, from al-Mahra to Bab al-Mandab.
Rejecting the “Riyadh decisions” and condemning the military escalation
The final statement of the million-person rally and the speeches delivered included a number of escalating and decisive stances. Participants described the recent decisions regarding the dismantling or restructuring of the Southern Forces as “farcical.” They also affirmed their rejection of any external interference. The statement condemned what it described as the “treacherous aggression” and the recent airstrikes targeting Southern Forces in Al-Dhali’ and Hadramawt, considering it an attack on the bonds of brotherhood and an undermining of security. The participants also declared their solidarity with the people of Hadramawt and Shabwa against the “repression and arrests.” They further emphasized their rejection of any intra-Southern dialogue conducted “under the shadow of weapons” or threats.
Southern forces are “unyielding to subjugation”
The million-strong rally delivered a warning message: the Southern Armed Forces are “unbreakable and unyielding.” It emphasized that any attack on them not only threatens the security of the South but also poses a direct threat to the security of the region and the stability of international navigation in its vital waterways. This event comes at the height of a comprehensive popular escalation led by the Southern Transitional Council in response to tensions with the Presidential Leadership Council and regional pressures.
Observers believe that the “million-strong rally in Al-Dhali’a” shattered what they described as the “lie of imposed solutions.” It also demonstrated that the southern street still holds the decisive voice in shaping the future roadmap. For his part, President Aidarus al-Zubaidi praised the massive popular support in Al-Dhali’a. He also called on the people of the South to maintain this steadfastness until the desired goal of complete independence is achieved.
