Self-admiration & Self-governance for the south

التالى السابق

Now it's the time to take the lead

Analytics - منذ 10 أيام

The STC Main Role to Govern Effectively in Order to Meet its People' Urgent Need

South Eye | Report - Exclusive

The South stands at a crossroads, its future caught between political maneuvering, economic hardship, and an increasingly fragile security landscape. For years, the goal of an independent and stable South Yemen has been overshadowed by shifting alliances, external interests, and a complex domestic power struggle. But the waiting game has only led to deeper divisions, financial instability, and a governance vacuum that has left the people disillusioned, without any clear position from the partners regarding the people daily suffering. So if there was ever a moment to take decisive action, it is now. The question is no longer whether the South should take the lead in shaping its destiny, but how it can do so effectively, ensuring both internal stability and international legitimacy.

At the heart of this movement lies the Southern Transitional Council (STC), the most organized and widely supported entity representing the aspirations of the South. Its role, however, is not without challenges. Political factions within Hadramout remain divided, some aligning with Regional-backed initiatives that seek to separate Hadramout from the broader southern cause, while others navigate between maintaining tribal autonomy and integrating into a collective southern governance model. Meanwhile, the Islah Party, a long-standing force within Yemen’s fractured political scene, continues to exert influence in Wadi Hadramout, holding a firm grip over security through the First Military Region. For the STC to succeed, it must move beyond mere political rhetoric and into tangible governance, proving its capability to administer, stabilize, and develop the South.

Economically, the region remains in dire straits. The central bank in Aden functions in name only, incapable of managing inflation, securing financial reserves, or stabilizing the currency. Oil revenues, the backbone of the South’s economy, are siphoned off through political channels controlled by the very entities that have historically marginalized the South. Corruption, once a symptom of the broader Yemeni government’s failures, has now become an embedded obstacle in local governance. If the STC is to take true control, it must first establish financial sovereignty ensuring that every resource extracted from southern land is reinvested into its people. A restructuring of economic management is necessary, one that prioritizes local revenue control, enforces strict anti-corruption measures, and fosters international investment without compromising sovereignty. The oil sector must be shielded from external political games, redirected toward building infrastructure, social services, and employment opportunities that benefit the South directly rather than filling the accounts of distant power brokers.

But financial control alone is not enough. Security remains a pressing concern, with fragmented forces operating under conflicting agendas. The STC has made significant strides in establishing local security units Hadrami Elite Forces, Security Belt Forces, and Shabwah Defence Forces but these remain loosely coordinated under different chains of command. Without full military unification, southern territories remain vulnerable to infiltration, whether by northern-backed factions or extremist groups seeking to exploit the gaps. A consolidated Southern Defense Force, answerable to a central authority rather than divided loyalties, is imperative. The First Military Region’s presence in Wadi Hadramout remains a glaring issue, serving as an extension of Islah’s influence in an area that should rightfully be under local control. A diplomatic, yet firm, effort must be made to ensure the removal of these forces, replacing them with locally governed security bodies that operate with southern interests in mind, rather than external agendas.

Internationally, the South’s struggle is met with varying degrees of support and resistance. The UAE remains a key ally, favoring stability in the South but cautious about any immediate moves toward full independence. Saudi Arabia, while officially recognizing the need for a political resolution, continues to hedge its bets by supporting Hadramout’s semi-autonomy, ensuring that its strategic interests are preserved regardless of the outcome. Western powers, preoccupied with broader geopolitical concerns, have yet to offer clear endorsements, instead prioritizing counterterrorism partnerships and Red Sea security. The South’s approach to international engagement must be calculated, leveraging its strategic position as a trade and energy hub to secure diplomatic legitimacy. The more the STC proves itself as a reliable and capable governing entity, the harder it will be for the international community to ignore its role in shaping Yemen’s future, and that's what we can see lastly happened.

Morover a federal model for the South may offer the most viable path forward, balancing regional autonomy with collective governance. A division between an Aden-based region, encompassing Aden, Lahj, Abyan, Dhale, and Shabwa, and a Hadramout-based region, including Hadramout, Mahra, and Socotra, would provide a structured yet adaptable framework for self-governance. This model acknowledges regional distinctions while maintaining a united southern administration as one army and local security forces, ensuring that local decision-making remains intact without fragmenting the southern cause. The challenge, however, lies in execution. Without a strong leadership, clear legal frameworks, and a commitment to equitable governance, federalism risks becoming another layer of dysfunction rather than a solution. The STC must approach this transition with precision, ensuring that any regional governance structures are built on accountability, transparency, and inclusivity.

The road ahead is not without obstacles, but hesitation is no longer a rational choice. The South must act decisively, asserting control over its political future, economic resources, and security framework. The STC, as the leading force in this movement, carries the responsibility of translating vision into reality of proving to both the South and the world that it is capable of governance, resilience, and self-determination. The alternative is a future dictated by external interests, continued economic exploitation, and a slow erosion of the very identity the South has fought to preserve.

Hence, for sure the time for waiting has passed. Now is the time for action, for strategy, and for unwavering commitment to the cause of a strong, independent South.