A delegation led by Aidarus al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen, is heading to Saudi Arabia, according to sources speaking to DZWatch. This visit follows closely on the heels of the STC’s positive response to Saudi Arabia’s invitation for dialogue aimed at de-escalating recent military tensions.
The invitation from Saudi Arabia seeks to address what has been described as a ‘disagreement’ between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The STC has publicly welcomed the Saudi initiative, viewing it as a genuine opportunity for meaningful discussions that will safeguard the future, security, and stability of southern Yemen.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry extended the invitation on Saturday, calling upon all southern Yemeni factions to participate in a conference hosted by the Kingdom. This conference, requested by Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi, aims to develop a comprehensive vision for equitable solutions to the southern issue.
Recent clashes between STC forces, seeking the secession of southern Yemen, and government forces supported by the Saudi-led coalition, have occurred in Hadramout and al-Mahra. These confrontations initially saw the STC gaining control of the two governorates in early December. However, government forces have since regained control.
The upcoming discussions in Riyadh are seen as crucial for navigating the complex political landscape and fostering stability in the region. The success of these talks could significantly impact the future of Yemen and the broader regional security architecture. Further details regarding the agenda and participants are expected to be released in the coming days.
