Aden, Yemen – The Southern Transitional Council (STC) described the arrival of northern ministers in Aden, the interim capital of southern Yemen, on Thursday as a “blatant challenge” to the will of the southern people. It also considered it a clear disregard for their demands for self-determination.
Warnings of a field escalation
The council issued a strongly worded statement warning against what it called “hostile forces” continuing their policy of domination.
And the council affirmed its categorical rejection of attempts to impose a political reality that does not reflect the aspirations of southerners.
The statement emphasized that the South has a just cause and will not be “subordinate or marginalized” in any future political equation.
The council warned that the continuation of what it termed “provocations” would lead to an explosion of popular anger that could not be contained. It also indicated that disregarding the rights of the South poses grave challenges to the entire region.
Return of the new government
These developments come just hours after the arrival of the new Prime Minister, Shaya al-Zindani, along with several ministers, in Aden to hold the first official meeting of the internationally recognized government.
The Southern Transitional Council’s statement reflects a state of political tension in Aden. It views the return of the northern ministers and the curtailment of the council’s influence as a setback to the gains it has made in recent years. This situation opens the door to various scenarios for conflict in the interim capital in the coming days.
