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

The historic city of Shibam in Hadhramaut governorate witnessed a massive public rally on Tuesday, commemorating the 62nd anniversary of the October 14 Revolution, in response to a call from President Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The rally culminated in a political statement; its full text is below:

Political Statement Issued by the Massive Mass Rally in Historic Shibam, Hadhramaut, on the 62nd Anniversary of the Glorious October 14 Revolution

At a critical national moment—one that rekindles the spirit of revolution and Southern resistance—the people of the South gathered today in Shibam, the historic heart of Wadi Hadhramaut, to reaffirm their full commitment to the national cause: the restoration and construction of an independent, federal state of the South within the borders of pre-May 21, 1990.

This mass mobilization comes amid a complex political landscape in the South and across the region—one defined by mounting challenges, competing agendas, and increasing attempts to obscure and destabilize the Southern scene. Hence, from Hadhramawt, and amid this sweeping popular momentum, the following messages and affirmations are declared:

1- Commitment to Southern cohesiveness: Upholding the values of tolerance, reconciliation, and national solidarity as a shield for social cohesion and a political weapon to resist any attempts to fracture the Southern social fabric or sow division among its people.

2- We reiterate, from Hadhramaut land, the call for the transfer of the First Military Region forces from Wadi Hadhramaut, with full handoverof security and military responsibilities to the Hadhrami Elite Forces—a demand that is a political, administrative, and popular imperative and cannot be delayed, and a necessary step toward lasting stability and enabling the people of Hadhramaut to manage their own affairs.

3- We reaffirm that the South is steadfastly in pursuit of liberation, and any attempts to bypass the will of the people of the South or impose solutions that undermine their right to self-determination are doomed to fail. The South has moved beyond defense—it now operates with well-awarded political action, forging alliances and asserting its decision-making power.

4- We renew the mandate for President Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi to continue leading the STC and representing the South on local, regional, and international stages until the full objectives of national independence are achieved.

5- We reject any minor divisive projects to separate Hadhramaut from its Southern identity. Hadhramaut has always been and will forever remain the heart of the South and a symbol of cohesiveness, and any effort to reimpose control or hegemony—under any banner—is categorically rejected.

6- We reaffirm the deep-rooted strategic partnership with the Arab Coalition, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in defending Arab national security, safeguarding maritime navigation, and combating all forms of terrorism, including threats from the Houthis and the Muslim Brotherhood.

7- Calling on the government to fulfill its responsibilities—by ensuring regular salary payments, improving public services, and alleviating living conditions—to strengthen public trust and prevent any hostile actors from exploiting the situation.

8- Affirming full support for the Southern Armed Forces and security services in their fight against Houthi militias and terrorist groups—whose interests often align with those of Brotherhood-linked power centers targeting the South and its national project.

9- Urging all political components of the South and entities to unify ranks, coalesce behind the STC’s leadership, and work as one cohesive body to confront present challenges and thwart any attempts to divide the Southern internal front or undermine its national institutions.

10- We appreciatively commend the STC’s leadership for successfully advancing the cause of the South at regional and international levels, and its success in bringing the voice of the people of the South to global decision-making circles, and we affirm that the South’s political presence today is a result of its people’s steadfast struggle and sacrifices.

In Conclusion:

From Shibam’s ancient skyline, the South declares to the world that it stands more united, resilient, and determined than ever to claim its rightful freedom and sovereignty. The October Revolution did not end with the colonial departure—it lives on in new forms of resistance against all attempts at domination and annexation. The people of the South will continue along the path of their fallen heroes until full independence is achieved and a just, federal state of the South is built.

Issued by:

The Shibam Massive Mass Rally

Hadhramaut

October 14, 2025