STC rejects Saudi guardianship, asserts role as representative of southern cause

ADEN, May 04 (YPA) – The UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC), which it said was dissolved under a Saudi decision, stated on Monday that the current phase requires decisive political action and the consolidation of rights, rejecting any return to marginalization or external tutelage.

In a statement issued during an event held in Aden marking the ninth anniversary of its establishment in May 2017 with Emirati backing, the STC warned that attempts to weaken its armed forces or undermine its collective will would not alter realities on the ground.

The STC stressed that Aden and the southern provinces would not serve as arenas for proxy conflicts, instability, or external control, cautioning that measures targeting its military capabilities could further destabilize the situation and create opportunities for extremist groups.

It also emphasized that any political process must address what it calls the “southern issue” through a comprehensive and fair solution, urging the international community to recognize it as a key party in negotiations and to ensure representation of southern constituencies in any future settlement.

The STC reiterated that bypassing its role would not lead to lasting peace, insisting it remains the primary representative framework for the southern cause. It also called for relations with regional actors to be based on mutual respect rather than imposed influence.

In a notable development, the council announced a proposed name change to the “Southern Arab Transitional Council,” and called for independent investigations into alleged violations attributed to Saudi Arabia since the beginning of the year, alongside demands to halt arrests and close certain facilities.

AA