Key Takeaways
- The Presidency of the Republic of Yemen has issued a strong condemnation of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), demanding an immediate and unconditional end to all restrictions on the movement of citizens, particularly those imposed on access to Aden.
- The Yemeni government views the STC's actions, including military operations in Hadramawt and Al-Mahra and movement restrictions, as a grave violation of the constitution and a direct breach of the Riyadh Agreement.
- The Presidency has affirmed that the state will implement measures to protect civilians and ensure freedom of movement, with the government fully supporting these decisions, including a declared state of emergency.
- Recent declarations by the STC regarding a two-year "transitional phase" and a referendum on southern self-determination have been rejected by the Yemeni government as having no legal basis and constituting a "rebellion".
The Presidency of the Republic of Yemen has intensified its calls for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to immediately cease all restrictions on the movement of citizens. These demands come amidst escalating tensions and military actions by the STC in Yemen's eastern provinces. The Presidency emphasized that such restrictions are a serious infringement on fundamental rights.
In a series of recent statements, the Presidency of the Yemeni Republic affirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and guaranteeing freedom of movement across the country. This stance is reinforced by the Yemeni government's full support for President Rashad al-Alimi's decisions, which include declaring a state of emergency to address the unfolding crisis.
The Yemeni Presidency has explicitly stated that the Transitional Council's actions, particularly the restrictions on citizens' movement to Aden, represent a grave violation of the constitution and a clear breach of the Riyadh Agreement. This agreement, signed in 2019, aimed to integrate the STC into government institutions and unify decision-making to end infighting within the internationally recognized government.
Furthermore, the Presidency and the Yemeni government have condemned the STC's unilateral military moves and its recent announcement of a two-year "transitional phase" leading to a "referendum" on the future of the south. Deputy Justice Minister Faisal al-Majidi reportedly stated that the STC's political declaration "has no legal value and does not comply with the Yemeni constitution and law," characterizing it as a "rebellion against Yemeni legitimacy".
The ongoing escalation, including the STC's reported takeover of parts of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra provinces, is seen as undermining efforts toward national consensus and a comprehensive political solution in Yemen. Regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been involved in mediation efforts, urging the STC to de-escalate and withdraw its forces from the contested areas, handing over military camps to the Nation Shield Forces and local authorities. The instability in Yemen continues to pose significant geopolitical risks, potentially impacting regional trade and maritime security.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.