Aden, Yemen – Engineer Nizar Haitham, Deputy Secretary-General of the Southern Transitional Council, addressed an important and direct political message to the people of the South and the regional and international communities. In this message, he affirmed the steadfastness of the Southern national principles amidst the rapid political and military transformations taking place in the region.
The reality of the South: between depletion and paradoxes
Haitham began his message by highlighting the bitter reality the South has endured since 1990, pointing to the “ironic irony” between events at the airports of Sana’a, Hodeidah, and Aden. He emphasized that the South has consistently borne the brunt of the conflicts waged by the Sana’a regime and its political parties. He noted that the cause of his people has been marginalized and postponed, while its resources and forces have been depleted in battles ostensibly aimed at “liberating Sana’a.” He added that the South has become a transit zone where it has no say and reaps no benefits. Haitham warned that turning the land into a bridge for others’ battles could leave its people alone to face the consequences.
Steadfastness of purpose towards the militias
Despite the South’s betrayal and targeting, Haitham emphasized that the anger of the southern street will not alter its focus on the Houthi militias and the Iranian project. He affirmed that these forces pose a direct threat to the security of the South and the region. He also stressed that the South will not be a platform for threatening its Arab neighbors or international maritime routes, particularly Bab al-Mandab and the Gulf of Aden.
Partnership and the demands for restoring trust
The Deputy Secretary-General clarified that the security of the South and the security of its Arab neighbors are inextricably linked, and that the South’s position on shared threats is unwavering and non-negotiable. However, he emphasized that these facts do not negate the suffering of the Southern people due to the ongoing targeting of their forces and leadership. He stressed that a stable partnership cannot be built by simply “overlooking the wounds” without addressing them.
A message to the international community
Haitham delivered a firm message to the regional and international communities, urging them to trust the leadership and people of South Yemen. He emphasized that the South has proven itself a loyal ally that does not betray or change its positions. Conversely, he asserted that the South will not accept being used as a force in times of crisis, only to have its political cause targeted when the political landscape is reshuffled. Haitham concluded by stressing that restoring trust begins with acknowledging past mistakes, redressing grievances, and recognizing the South as a full political and security partner, not a temporary subordinate. He also affirmed that the South’s priority is defending its land. He stated that the South will move forward as a strong and genuine partner in protecting the region’s security, rejecting the logic of a silent follower.
