The South and the past history, lessons towards a new southern independent state

Analytics - 27 day ago

South Eye | Analysis - Exclusive


South is currently at a crucial crossroads, demanding a serious review of past experiences and a deliberate effort to draw the lessons needed to avoid repeating the tragedies of the past three decades. The south has suffered greatly under authoritarian Yemeni rule, occupation, fed internal conflicts, and wars that have fragmented its social and political fabric and inflicted heavy human and material losses. Historical periods—post-independence in 1967, the unification aftermath in 1990, and the 1994 invasion—have shown that the inactivated of strong civic institutions and a weak rule of law created a fertile environment for violence and authoritarianism to resurface.


Today, southerners have a clear choice to build a modern federal southern state based on justice, equality, and respect for human dignity. This vision—reflected in the aspirations of the mandated Southern Transitional Council and the broader political and social forces in the south—seeks to establish a federal and southern independent state that guarantees rights and freedoms and rejects any form of dominance or exploitation. This path is not merely a moral imperative; it is a practical and strategic decision to secure the south’s long-term stability and sustainable development. The presence of multiple Yemeni factions with external support and conflicting ambitions underscores the importance of building robust, just, and accountable institutions. Only through this approach can the south shield itself from Yemeni greed and manipulation, laying the foundation for a cohesive southern society that can resist destabilizing interventions.


Moreover, this approach is in line with the principles consistently supported by the international community, which has long emphasized the importance of justice, accountability, and inclusive governance as the basis for peace and security. By prioritizing transparent institutions and a genuine commitment to the rule of law, the south strengthens its position as a reliable and credible partner in the region and the world.


This vision transcends internal differences within the south—whether the entire south unites under the leadership of the Southern Transitional Council or through a broader coalition of southern voices gathered under the STC, the central goal remains to create a strong and cohesive south capable of overcoming narrow interests and forging a new social contract. This contract must be rooted in mutual recognition, equality before the law, and a shared determination to reject the dark legacies of past Yemeni authoritarianism. Through this, the south can secure a future marked by genuine peace, resilient development, and dignity for all its people, setting itself apart as a trusted and influential partner in the region and beyond.


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ICG

Chatham House

SCSS