Full Breakdown
Southern Transitional Council's Uncertain Future Amid Internal Divisions
1/10/2026, 8:19:10 PM
Announcement of Dissolution and Internal Conflict
The Southern Transitional Council (STC), Yemen's main separatist group, announced its dissolution on January 9, 2026, following a series of military setbacks and internal disagreements. Abdulrahman Jalal al-Sebaihi, the STC's secretary-general, stated that the council would cease all operations, citing the need to preserve peace and security in southern Yemen. This decision came after the group's leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, fled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid accusations of treason for skipping crucial talks in Saudi Arabia. However, the announcement was met with immediate dissent from STC spokesman Anwar al-Tamimi, who argued that only the full council could authorize such a dissolution, highlighting significant internal divisions within the group.
Background and Context
The STC was established in April 2017 as a coalition of groups advocating for the independence of southern Yemen, which was an independent state from 1967 until its unification with the north in 1990. The council has received military and financial backing from the UAE and has been involved in ongoing conflicts with Saudi-backed forces. Tensions escalated in December 2025 when STC forces seized control of oil-rich regions in Hadramout and al-Mahra, prompting a military response from Saudi Arabia, which viewed these actions as a threat to its national security.
Official Statements and Responses
Saudi officials welcomed the STC's dissolution, with Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman describing it as a "courageous step" towards resolving the southern issue. He emphasized that the upcoming Riyadh conference would include all influential southern figures. Conversely, STC representatives in Riyadh denied the legitimacy of the dissolution, claiming it was made under coercion and pressure. They asserted that any decision regarding the council's fate must involve its entire membership and leadership.
Mass Protests and Public Sentiment
Despite the announcement of dissolution, thousands of STC supporters rallied in Aden and Mukalla, demonstrating their desire for independence and expressing opposition to Saudi Arabia and the internationally recognized Yemeni government. Protesters waved flags of the former South Yemen and chanted slogans demanding self-determination. This public show of support underscores the ongoing commitment of many southern Yemenis to the STC's cause, even amid internal strife.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports regarding the STC's status. While some members claim the group has disbanded, others vehemently deny this, asserting that the dissolution announcement was made under duress. The STC's leadership has called for mass protests, despite a ban on demonstrations imposed by authorities aligned with the Saudi-backed government, citing security concerns.
What's Next
The future of the STC and the southern separatist movement remains uncertain. The Riyadh conference, aimed at addressing the southern issue, is expected to include discussions among various southern factions. However, the absence of al-Zubaidi and the internal divisions within the STC complicate the prospects for a unified approach moving forward. The ongoing rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, alongside the complex dynamics of Yemen's civil war, will continue to shape the political landscape in the region.
