Large-Scale Rally in Socotra's Sit-in Square Reaffirms Commitment to Demands of South Arabia

The open-ended sit-in square in the Hadibo district of the Socotra Archipelago Governorate witnessed a massive public rally on Thursday that included sheikhs and notables, social and official figures, local representatives, civil society organization delegates, youth, and residents of the district and its suburbs.

The rally was led by the Head of the Local Leadership Executive Body (LLEB) of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Socotra, Saeed Omar Bin Qublan; his deputy, Sheikh Saleh Saeed Bin Majed; and the Chairman of the National Council for the Sons of Socotra, Sultan Ali Bin Issa Bin Afrar. The scene reflected the discipline, organization, and national awareness among the archipelago's citizens.

Participants reaffirmed their steadfastness to their legitimate demands and rights, declaring the continuation of the peaceful sit-in as a civilized means to articulate their national stance, and voiced their full support for decisions issued by members of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and endorsed the content of the joint statement by President Aidarus Al-Zoubaidi, Maj. Gen. Abdulrahman Abu Zara'a Al-Muharrami, Maj. Gen. Faraj Salmin Al-Bahsani, and Brig. Gen. Tariq Mohammed Abdullah Saleh.

The crowds strongly rejected decisions issued by Al-Alimi and the so-called National Defence Council, firmly asserting that these decisions do not represent the aspirations of the people of the South and are fundamentally at odds with the core demand for the restoration of the fully sovereign State of South Arabia.

Furthermore, they expressed their profound appreciation for the vital role of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in supporting development, infrastructure, and public service efforts in Socotra. They rejected any calls aiming to remove the UAE from the Arab coalition, describing it as a sincere and strategic ally of the South and a trusted partner in enhancing security, stability, and the development of the governorate.

The large-scale crowds clarified that the mass gathering reflects the cohesiveness of residents of Socotra and the awareness of the archipelago of their national responsibilities. They emphasized their commitment to expressing their national position in a peaceful and organized manner, defending their legitimate rights, and achieving the governorate's interests within the framework of law and order.

The crowds praised the resilience and steadfastness of the Southern Armed Forces in the governorates of Hadhramaut (Valley and Desert) and Al-Mahra, affirming full support for their efforts in cementing security and stability and protecting national gains in the face of various challenges.

The citizens of Socotra sent decisive political messages, reaffirming that the people of South Arabia will not cede their land and that the restoration of the State of South Arabia will remain a fixed demand. They confirmed that the governorates of Hadhramaut and Al-Mahra are an integral part of the South, rejecting any external interference or the imposition of a political and security reality that contradicts the sterling will of the people of the South.