Yemen Monitor / Riyadh / Exclusive:
In a sharply worded critique, Yemeni Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa Ahmed Noman characterized the Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) military movements in eastern Yemen as “political levity” and a “full-fledged rebellion.” During an interview with Al Arabiya on Monday, monitored by Yemen Monitor, Noman warned that these actions strike a fatal blow to state legitimacy and risk igniting a comprehensive civil war where the Houthi group would emerge as the sole victor.
Noman pointed out the inherent contradiction in the STC’s actions, noting that the Council is a core component of the very state it is currently undermining. “STC members constitute the largest bloc in the Cabinet and hold three seats on the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC),” Noman stated. He described their unilateral military moves against state institutions as an incomprehensible paradox.
He further criticized what he termed the “puerile behavior” of certain ministers and officials affiliated with the STC. He noted they use Republic of Yemen letterheads, official memorandums, and diplomatic passports to advocate for secession—a practice he suggested lacks a deep understanding of the grave risks facing Yemen and the wider region.
The Deputy Foreign Minister dismissed the STC’s justifications for advancing toward Hadramowt. He asserted that the province is stable and that claims of it being a hub for terrorism or the Muslim Brotherhood are insufficient excuses to bypass the authority of the Ministry of Defense’s First and Second Military Districts.
Regarding the “anti-smuggling” justification, Noman countered that smuggling occurs across various regions, including the ports of Aden, Mokha, and the shores of Shabwa—not just in Hadramowt and Al-Mahrah. “Why did the STC not coordinate a unified plan with the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defense, instead of unilaterally marginalizing state apparatuses?” he asked.
Noman warned that the Houthis in Sana’a are the primary beneficiaries of this internal fracturing. He argued that the erosion of the pro-government camp weakens efforts against their common adversary and delays any prospect of fair peace negotiations.
He also voiced concerns that the South could be dragged toward a “Somaliland” or “Puntland” model—entities that lack international recognition. Noman emphasized that no nation would dare recognize a statelet established through military force outside of political consensus and international charters.
The political chaos threatens to freeze international aid projects. Noman raised the question of which authority international organizations would even deal with in such a fragmented landscape. “If I were an international donor, I would not send a single cent to Yemen under this state of ambiguity that paralyzes institutions and increases the suffering of starving citizens,” he remarked.
The Deputy Foreign Minister identified a clear starting point for any resolution:
“The withdrawal of all forces that do not operate under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defense and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.”
He concluded by urging the STC leadership to return to the language of reason and the dialogue table. While acknowledging that the Southern Cause is a just and recognized issue, he insisted it cannot be resolved through the imposition of military realities, but rather through a comprehensive national vision that prioritizes the interests of ordinary Yemenis.
