Aden, Yemen – The capital city of Aden and other southern governorates witnessed massive public gatherings today, Saturday, December 13, 2025, calling for a second declaration of independence for the state of South Arabia. This came in a huge show of popular power and political demand.
The “second independence” refers to the restoration of the state that existed in the south before Yemeni unification in 1990. It was known as the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, which gained independence from Britain in 1967.
Popular momentum across generations
These crowds came in response to a call from the Southern Transitional Council. They began an open-ended sit-in at the Parade Square in Aden on December 8, 2025, under central slogans, most notably “Declaring the State of the South to Protect Arabism and Combat Terrorism.”
The demonstrations and protests spread to other governorates such as Lahj, Shabwa, Radfan, Socotra, and Al-Mahra.
The demonstrations were marked by broad participation from different generations, including youth, children, and women. This underscores the enduring nature and deep roots of the popular demand. Participants raised the flags of the former South Yemen and pictures of President Aidarus al-Zubaidi.
Council objectives: Restoring the state and combating terrorism
These developments come amid the Southern Transitional Council’s growing control over most of the southern governorates, including Hadramawt and Al-Mahra recently.
The statement issued by the Southern Transitional Council, which called for the sit-in, emphasized the celebration of the victories achieved by the Southern Armed Forces. These victories included liberating the remaining southern territories and fulfilling the duty to protect the homeland from any terrorist threats posed by the Muslim Brotherhood and Houthi militias.
The statement emphasized that the people’s long patience with “looting, deprivation, and obliteration of identity was not a weakness. Rather, it was a belief in an inalienable right and a determination to achieve a goal that will not disappear.”
Divergent political positions
Observers believe that the Southern Transitional Council’s complete military and political control over the south paves the way for the restoration of the southern state. In contrast, the internationally recognized Yemeni government opposes these moves, warning that they could undermine efforts to stabilize and unify the country.
