Separatists in Yemen plan referendum on independence

After transition phase

Separatists in Yemen plan referendum on independence

The so-called Southern Transitional Council aims to secede southern and eastern areas. Now he is announcing a referendum, thereby putting further pressure on Saudi Arabia.

Amid rising tensions in Yemen, separatists are planning a popular referendum on “self-determination of the south”. The vote will follow a two-year transition period, said the chairman of the so-called Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarus al-Subaidi, in a televised address. The referendum should give the residents of the south the right to decide on their political future.

Al-Subaidi stressed that this was a “responsible step” towards restoring an independent southern Yemeni state. The planned vote should take place peacefully, transparently and under the observation of international experts. The government, meanwhile, called on STC supporters to lay down their weapons.

The civil war in Yemen, which has been ongoing since 2014, has flared up again in recent days. Actually, the United Arab Emirates-backed STC and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government have been allied for years in the fight against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Houthis control large parts of the north of the country, including the capital Sanaa.

However, the Emirates are increasingly pursuing their own interests in the conflict and have been supporting the STC separatists for years. In recent weeks, these separatists have seized large areas that also border Saudi Arabia, putting Riyadh under pressure. The real allies clashed dangerously on Tuesday when a military alliance led by Saudi Arabia bombed the port of Mukalla on Tuesday and accused the Emirates of supplying weapons and vehicles to the separatists there, something Abu Dhabi denied.

The STC separatists have long sought to secede southern and eastern areas from the north of the country. Yemen was already divided from 1967 until reunification in 1990.

Just hours before the STC announcement, fighting broke out between government and Saudi Arabian-allied forces and STC troops. The STC also accused the Saudi-led coalition of carrying out air strikes on its positions. Several people are said to have been killed.

An independent South Yemen would further intensify regional competition between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, for example over strategic ports, energy exports and trade routes.

The STC chief called on the international community to promote dialogue between the south and north of Yemen during the transition period.

The government in the civil war country is very weak and is maintained primarily by political pressure and influence from Saudi Arabia. At its head is the so-called Presidential Council.

The Yemeni news agency Saba reported, citing council circles, that council chairman Rashid al-Alimi called on STC supporters to lay down their arms. This is intended to avoid further bloodshed.