STC Plans Independence Referendum for Southern Yemen After Two-Year Transition
Aidarous al-Zubaidi, the head of the Southern Transitional Council, has announced the launch of a two-year transitional phase that will be followed by a referendum on independence in southern Yemen. He described the initiative as a step toward allowing southern communities to determine their political future.
The announcement comes after recent fighting in Hadramaut, where forces aligned with the regional governor retook one of the largest military bases from STC-aligned units. The developments have heightened tensions and renewed debate over the future structure of governance in the country.
Al-Zubaidi also called for internationally supported talks between representatives of the south and the north to agree on a political roadmap and mechanisms that would safeguard the rights of people in the south.
Observers note that the proposal could mark a pivotal moment for Yemen’s political landscape, while also carrying the risk of further escalation if consensus is not reached among the key parties.
