Politics Separatists in Yemen plan referendum on independence
Amid growing tensions in Yemen, separatists are planning a popular referendum on "self-determination for the south". The vote is to follow a two-year transitional phase, said the chairman of the so-called Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarus al-Subaidi, in a televised address. The referendum should give the inhabitants of the south the right to decide on their political future.
02.01.2026, 19:29
SDA
Al-Subaidi emphasized that this was a "responsible step" towards the restoration of an independent South Yemeni state. The planned vote should take place peacefully, transparently and under the observation of international experts.
Conflict flares up again
The civil war in Yemen, which has been ongoing since 2014, has flared up again in recent days. The STC, supported by the United Arab Emirates, and the Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia, have actually been allied for years in the fight against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The Huthi 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 taken over large areas that also border Saudi Arabia, putting Riyadh under pressure. On Tuesday, the actual allies clashed dangerously 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, which Abu Dhabi rejected.
STC strive for secession
The STC separatists have been striving to secede southern and eastern areas from the north of the country for some time. Yemen was already divided from 1967 until reunification in 1990.
Just a few hours before the STC announcement, fighting broke out between forces allied with the government and Saudi Arabia and STC troops. The STC also accused the coalition led by Saudi Arabia of having flown air strikes on their positions. Several people are said to have been killed in the process.
Regional competition
An independent South Yemen would further intensify regional competition between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, for example for strategic ports, energy exports and trade routes.
The STC chief called on the international community to promote a dialog between the south and north of Yemen during the transition phase.
