The STC Issues Key Statement on Undermining Legitimate Rights of People of the South

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) reaffirms that the undermining of the legitimate rights of the people of the South and the ongoing attempts to diminish the rights resulting from its political power-sharing have become crystal clear through a number of unacceptable practices, including empowering other forces at its expense and deliberately delaying the payment of salaries to its civil employees and military personnel, stalling on decrees for the empowerment of cadres of the South, obstructing the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement 2019, and the commitments contained in the 2022 Riyadh Consultations, represent a direct targeting of the essence of the key power-sharing agreement we agreed upon.

We clearly declare that a true partnership cannot be built on ignorance, diminishment, or exclusion, but rather on justice and the full commitment to rights that are neither divisible nor delayable.

Our dear people of the South have made immense sacrifices in defense of their land and identity, and they will not accept that the partnership that they sought—for its political, human rights, and security benefits—is turned into a tool to deprive them of their most basic rights, and from here we reaffirm our emphasis on a firm fact that many parties seem to have forgotten: "The land is the land of the people of the South, the decision is ultimately theirs, and we will never be deterred by any attempts to starve our people or break their sterling will."

In this context, the STC reaffirmed it would continue to protect the rights of its people, preserve their hard-won achievements, and realize their legitimate goals. In the same context, the STC commended the brotherly role of the Arab Coalition and the endeavors of countries sponsoring the peace process, acknowledging their commitment to listening to the Southern voice and engaging seriously with its cause as a fundamental pillar of regional security and stability.

Issued by:

Official Spokesperson of the Southern Transitional Council (STC).