Abyan and Al-Mahra Welcome Saudi Arabia’s Hosting of an Inclusive Southern Dialogue, Affirming Representation of Their People
Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
The local authorities in the governorates of Abyan and Al-Mahra welcomed Saudi Arabia’s invitation to host a South–South dialogue, expressing their full support for reaching a consensual vision to address the Southern Issue away from what they described as the monopolization practiced by the Southern Transitional Council (STC).
In Abyan, the First Deputy Governor and Head of the Alliance of the People and Tribes of Abyan, Sheikh Walid bin Nasser Al-Fadhli, welcomed the Saudi invitation, stressing that the STC, led by Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, does not represent all southerners, particularly in Abyan and the eastern governorates.
In a press statement, Sheikh Al-Fadhli explained that the STC had exploited its military dominance and Emirati support to impose its project, but faced strong opposition and failed to impose its direction. He called for effective participation by representatives of Abyan in the dialogue to ensure genuine and neutral representation of the governorate’s people, who, he said, have suffered marginalization since 2019.
In Al-Mahra, the governor and head of the Security Committee, Mohammed Ali Yasser, welcomed the Saudi invitation to host a conference bringing together all southern components at an inclusive dialogue table, with the aim of discussing fair solutions to the Southern Issue within the framework of a comprehensive political settlement for the Republic of Yemen.
The Governor of Al-Mahra affirmed the fraternal and responsible role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries in supporting peace efforts and enhancing stability, and their keenness to provide a suitable environment for constructive dialogue that reflects the historical and social dimensions of the Southern Issue and fulfills the legitimate aspirations of the people of the South.
He also renewed Al-Mahra Governorate’s support for all regional and international efforts aimed at ending the conflict through dialogue and consensus, emphasizing that achieving a just and lasting peace will strengthen unity, security, and stability in Yemen.
