Massive Mass Rally Held in Historic Shibam City to Mark 62nd October Revolution Anniversary

The historic city of Shibam in Hadhramaut governorate witnessed on Tuesday a massive public rally on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the glorious October 14 Revolution, in response to the call of President Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The event, which is one of the largest in the city's history, with the participation of military leaders and political and social figures, witnessed crowds of participants from various governorates of the South in general and the districts of Hadhramaut in particular that flowed since the early morning hours towards the event square in the heart of Shibam, as the city was adorned with flags of the South and photos of President Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, in a scene that reflected the depth of national belonging and the spirit of popular rallying around the project of restoring the southern state of the South.

Mr. Ali Al-Kathiri, Member of the STC Presidium and Chairman of the National Assembly, addressed the massive rally, which was attended by Lawyer Yahya Ghalib Al-Shuaibi, Member of the STC Presidium. In his speech, he began by conveying to the masses the greetings and congratulations of President Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi, the STC President and Supreme Commander of the Southern Armed Forces, on this occasion, which was eventually crowned by seizing independence on November 30, 1967.

Mr. Al-Kathiri indicated that what has been achieved for us now is an extension of the October Revolution, and with the resilience of the people of the South and the resolve of the Southern Armed Forces, we renew the pledge to all the blessed martyrs to proceed further until achieving the aspirations of the people of the South.

Al-Kathiri noted that the armed revolution was launched from the Valley of Hadramout in 1924, which was part of the accumulation of the revolutions of the people of the South against the British occupation until the outbreak of the glorious October 14 Revolution in 1963.

Al-Kathiri affirmed that the STC is proceeding today, under the leadership of President Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi, on the path to restoring the state of the South, which is his pledge and promise; there will be no compromise or concession on the goal of establishing a just federal state that honors the South and unites its people.

In his speech, Al-Kathiri referred to the painful events and omens of conflicts currently happening in Hadhramaut. Nevertheless, he affirmed that the Transitional Council, as President Al-Zubaidi confirmed yesterday at the public mass rally in Al-Dhale'a governorate, has its doors open and its hands extended to everyone.

Al-Kathiri added, "From here, from Shibam of history and civilization, the Transitional Council pursues to be in dialogue with all segments of Hadhrami society—political, social, and others—who wish well for Hadhramaut."

Al-Kathiri confirmed that Hadhramaut has made its choice and decision, has offered a caravan of martyrs, and will not compromise or concede the project of the South's independence and the building of a federal state of the South. He indicated that Hadhramaut is part and parcel of the Southern homeland, which represents the features of the envisioned state, and we will not accept a return to the so-called federal Yemen or the reproduction of unification by other means.

Mr. Mohammed Abdulmalik Al-Zubaidi, Assistant Head of the Local Leadership Executive Body (LLEB) of the STC for Valley and Desert Hadhramaut affairs, also delivered a speech at the massive festival in which he affirmed that the gathering of the people of Hadhramaut in Shibam carries important political and historical messages.

Al-Zubaidi said, "From here, from Shibam of civilization and history, we celebrate today the 62nd anniversary of the South's immortal revolution. Our celebration constitutes a new station for reconciliation, tolerance, and sublimation among the people of Hadhramaut Valley and its desert, and a new page based on fraternity, harmony, and cooperation. This land has united us since time immemorial, and it is our duty as Hadhramis to rise above petty disputes and stay away from causes of division and disagreement."

He added, "We renew our pledge, loyalty, and mandate to our political leadership, led by President Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi, and we reaffirm that we are steadfast and resolute in our commitment. This mighty people is the inexhaustible strategic reserve and the unfailing source of strength, and we proceed with full confidence towards achieving the goals of our revolution and declaring our federal state of the South, for the people of the South are with you in peace, war, or negotiation."

Al-Zubaidi pointed out that "liberating the districts of Valley and Desert of Hadhramaut and handing over their security and military affairs to their people is a fundamental and non-negotiable demand, and it is a trust upon our necks in fulfillment of the blood of the martyrs. We will not retreat from our sterling will to liberate the Valley and the Desert and expel every occupying soldier from our pure land."

He continued, saying, "What is happening in Hadhramaut today represents a dark mark in its history, and we, as Hadhramis, must end this political, economic, and rights-related absurdity. A historical responsibility lies upon us to gather the fragments of Hadhramaut under the umbrella of the federal state of the South, which guarantees rights, justice, equality, and specificity for every governorate."

Al-Zubaidi concluded his remarks by thanking the revolutionaries and free women who overcame difficulties to reach the event square. He also thanked the people of Shibam, the leadership of the Transitional Council in the district, and everyone who contributed to the success of this major event.

The event, which began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and the national anthem of the South, featured the delivery of a number of political and social speeches, as well as the recitation of poetic poems.

The gathered crowd chanted slogans affirming their commitment to the Southern identity and their rejection of any external guardianship over Hadhramaut, alongside affirming their support for the Hadhrami Elite Forces and their resolve to proceed towards restoring the independent state of the South.

At the conclusion of the event, the participants confirmed that their gathering in Shibam represents a renewal of the covenant with the principles of the October 14 Revolution and a clear message that Hadhramaut is an integral part of the South, and its firm choice is the restoration of its fully sovereign state of the South.