Seiyun, Yemen – The city of Seiyun, the capital of Wadi and Hadramawt Desert, witnessed a historic event on Sunday, which observers described as a “turning point”.
Hundreds of thousands of the province’s residents gathered in a massive “million-person” demonstration.
It also culminated in a strongly worded political statement that put an end to doubts
about the popular stance on the southern military presence in the region.
Decisive statement: Southern forces are a security guarantee
The concluding statement issued by the public event, which was read
by representatives of the popular movement amidst cheers from the crowds, affirmed
The continued presence of the Southern Armed Forces alongside the Hadrami Elite
Forces in the Wadi and Desert districts is a “clear and unwavering popular demand that will not be reversed.”
Highlights of the final statement
The statement praised the recent military steps and security operations,
considering them a legitimate right to consolidate security
and confront smuggling networks linked to the Houthi militias.
The protesters renewed their absolute mandate to President Aidarus Qasim al-Zubaidi, head of the Southern Transitional Council.
This is to take the historic step of declaring the “Independent State of South Arabia,”
describing the current moment as “the beginning of a new chapter.”
The protesters affirmed their categorical rejection of any attempts to falsify
the will of the people of Hadramawt or impose foreign guardianship.
It is emphasized that Hadhramaut is the “beating heart” of the southern project.
O Aidarus, declare it a state
From early morning, the squares of Seiyun were filled with crowds who raised the flags of the South and pictures of President Al-Zubaidi.
Where voices rang out with a unified chant: “O Aidarus, declare it a state.”
The participants considered this advance to be the practical response to regional pressures aimed at de-escalation or withdrawal.
They stressed that the Southern Forces are the only guarantee for protecting resources and combating terrorism.
Political messages at a turbulent time
This million-strong demonstration comes at the height of political and military tension;
it is a popular response to international and regional pressures.
Which has demanded in recent days the withdrawal of southern forces from vital locations in the valley.
The accusations of intimidation were refuted by the large voluntary mobilization,
which proved that the southern military presence enjoys broad popular support,
thus disproving the narratives that speak of “terrorizing” the population.
The rally came after airstrikes targeted southern sites, further strengthening the protesters’ resolve to stand by the southern armed forces.
Hadhramaut has made its choice
In the same context, analysts believe that today’s “million-strong demonstration in Seiyun” has dashed
all hopes of the southern forces being removed from Wadi Hadramawt peacefully or politically.
The final statement left no room for maneuver, declaring that Hadhramaut had made
its choice to fully integrate into the southern state project.
This places the Transitional Council before the obligation to “declare the state,”
which has become a popular demand that precedes political decisions.
