Aden, Yemen – Political analyst Hani Mas’hour described the events unfolding with the Southern delegation in Riyadh as one of the most extensive and severe political purges the Southern cause has witnessed in its recent history. In a series of tweets on the “X” platform, Mas’hour stated that the Southern delegation, which arrived in Riyadh on January 7th, appeared absent from the scene from the outset. Furthermore, its appearance on January 10th was disorganized, as if it were reciting a pre-prepared speech presented as a “solution for the Southern Transitional Council.”
He added that the delegation’s appearance on January 18th in an official hall, with the raising of the Southern flag and the singing of the national anthem, carried a clear political message. It also demonstrated an explicit adherence to the fundamental principles of the Southern cause.
Mashhour noted that what followed was an even harsher phase, as media outlets, particularly Al Arabiya and Al Hadath channels, began summoning members of the delegation for interviews resembling interrogations. These interviews were filled with loaded questions and relentless psychological pressure, aimed at portraying them as defensive and distorting their position. He described this as “transforming the media from a platform for dialogue into a tool of pressure.” Mashhour clarified that what is happening cannot be justified under the banner of the so-called “South-South Dialogue.” He considered it a flimsy political cover for promoting a path based on coercion and manipulation, rather than understanding or genuine dialogue.
He affirmed that the Southern Transitional Council remains a fundamental pillar of the Southern cause, based on three constitutional and political principles: the Aden Declaration of 2017, the Southern National Charter of 2023, and the Political Declaration of January 2026. He also emphasized that the declaration of secession on May 21, 1994, represents the highest political ceiling. Mashhour stated that the attempts to eliminate the southern delegation, through media and political pressure, aim to “hand over the south to the Houthis as part of a surrender deal that has been underway since April 2023.” However, he emphasized that the will of the southern people and their political and constitutional principles will remain above all such attempts.
