Southern people

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The Southern People’s Struggle & Russia Renewed Role

REPORTS - منذ 14 يوم

 A Right Grounded in International Law and Contemporary Realities

The southern people’s assertion of their right to self-determination and their pursuit of a just solution to their prolonged struggle is a legitimate and lawful expression of their political will. Rooted in international law and supported by modern democratic principles, their quest for restoring their state or securing a fair resolution to their challenges is neither a disruption to regional stability nor a relic of outdated ideologies. Instead, it is a vital step toward peace, justice, and sustainable development in the region.

International law unequivocally supports the right of peoples to self-determination, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and numerous other legal frameworks. Article 1 of the UN Charter recognizes this right, emphasizing the importance of respecting the free will of peoples in determining their political status and pursuing their economic, social, and cultural development.

The southern people’s demands are not a call for conflict but a pursuit of justice and equity. Their struggle for self-determination is a reflection of their desire to govern their own affairs, secure their resources, and preserve their cultural and historical identity. Far from being an act of rebellion, this is a lawful exercise of their rights to freedom and self-governance, especially in light of the historical injustices they have faced since the unification process began in 1990.

The South's Break from Socialist Ideologies

A critical misconception often associated with the southern people's aspirations is their historical connection to socialist ideologies, which some claim still influence their political framework. However, this notion no longer holds true. Over the past decades, the southern people have demonstrated a pragmatic approach toward governance, emphasizing federalism, democracy, and human rights as core principles of their future state.

The south is not beholden to the socialist ideologies that once defined its external policies. Its current aspirations are firmly rooted in fostering partnerships with the international community, promoting a free-market economy, and aligning with regional and global stability efforts. Any claims to the contrary are outdated and fail to recognize the evolution of the southern people's political mindset.

Russia’s Role and Its Implications

Another key point of concern is the involvement of external actors like Russia, particularly in their support for the Houthis in Yemen. Russia’s engagement with the Houthis has had direct consequences for the southern governorates, as the Houthis have intensified attacks on these areas, threatening civilian lives and infrastructure. This dynamic underscores the importance of the south’s separation from any historical ties with Russia.

The southern people view Russia’s involvement with the Houthis as contradictory to any notions of alliance or shared ideology. Instead, they recognize the threats posed by these actions, which not only destabilize the south but also hinder efforts toward peace and reconciliation in Yemen. The south's alignment is increasingly oriented toward regional and international actors committed to fostering peace and stability in the region, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Western democracies, and the broader international community.

The southern people's struggle is not isolated; it is part of a broader movement for justice and stability in a region that has endured prolonged conflict. Their cause aligns with international efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis, address humanitarian challenges, and prevent further destabilization. Recognizing and supporting the southern people’s right to self-determination is a step toward achieving these broader goals.

The international community must acknowledge that the southern people are practicing their lawful rights, supported by international norms, when they seek to restore their state or secure a just solution to their struggle. This support is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity to ensure regional stability and counter the influence of actors that threaten peace in the region.

The southern people’s aspirations are grounded in law, justice, and a vision for a stable and prosperous future. By distancing themselves from outdated ideologies and aligning with principles of democracy and human rights, they have shown their commitment to a modern, inclusive state that contributes to regional and global stability. Their cause deserves recognition and support as a lawful and necessary pursuit of justice and peace.

In the other hand; the recent statement by Russia asserting that the solution to the Yemen crisis is hindered by certain nations not taking the issue seriously necessitates a closer examination of its validity and implications. While Yemen remains a complex theater of conflict, involving diverse regional actors, it is essential to assess Russia’s position in light of both its historical involvement and its current geopolitical priorities.

Historically, Russia had significant ties with South Yemen during the Cold War era when the region aligned itself with socialist ideologies. However, the landscape of South Yemen has transformed fundamentally over the decades. The southern people have shed their socialist framework and embarked on a path of political and social reform centered on autonomy and the establishment of a modern governance structure. This evolution reflects a broader rejection of the Cold War paradigms that once defined their international relationships.

It is important to underscore that the southern Yemeni people’s vision for the future is grounded in principles of self-determination and equitable governance. This aspiration does not align with the interests of actors who seek to impose external ideological frameworks or maintain alliances that exacerbate the conflict. Russia’s growing association with the Houthi movement in northern Yemen raises critical questions about its role as a constructive partner in resolving the crisis. The Houthis’ actions, including their alignment with Iran and their continued aggression against southern territories, have making the crisis even worse. Russia’s implicit or explicit support for such a group undermines its credibility as an impartial actor advocating for a unified solution.

Furthermore, Russia’s call for others to take the Yemeni crisis seriously must be viewed through the lens of its own foreign policy actions. The ongoing war in Ukraine, initiated by Russia’s invasion, has had catastrophic humanitarian and geopolitical consequences. This conflict has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community and has raised questions about Russia’s adherence to international norms and its commitment to peace. In this context, it is challenging for Russia to position itself as a credible arbiter of conflicts abroad while its own actions in Ukraine continue to destabilize the region and strain global security frameworks.

The focus of the international community in Yemen should be on fostering an inclusive dialogue that respects the distinct aspirations of southern people. The southern people have articulated their desire for self-determination and an end to the dominance of northern factions that have historically marginalized them. This includes rejecting alliances with groups such as the Houthis, whose agenda conflicts with the principles of peace and stability. The international community, including Russia, must recognize that imposing centralized solutions on region is neither feasible nor just.

In this regard, Russia’s emphasis on the seriousness of others in addressing Yemen’s crisis would be more convincing if accompanied by a reassessment of its own approach. Constructive engagement requires impartiality and respect for the evolving dynamics of the two peoples, particularly the legitimate aspirations of the southern people. Moreover, Russia must prioritize resolving its internal and external challenges, especially the crisis in Ukraine, to rebuild its credibility as a responsible actor on the global stage.

The southern people’s trajectory is a testament to the capacity for regions to redefine their political futures based on the will of their citizens. As they distance themselves from outdated ideological ties and pursue a future rooted in cooperation and development, it is crucial that international actors, including Russia, align their policies with these realities. Only through such alignment can a sustainable and just resolution to Yemen’s crisis be achieved.

Russia’s focus on Yemen, while significant, must be tempered with introspection and a commitment to fairness. By addressing its own actions and adopting a more balanced stance, Russia can contribute more meaningfully to the resolution of conflicts, both in Yemen and beyond.