The Southern State on map (Prior 1990)

التالى السابق

On Allegations of Authoritarianism in South Yemen: A Reality-Based Perspective

Aden for strategic studies - منذ 17 ساعة

South Eye | Report - Exclusive

It is neither fair nor logical to label South Yemen as a region governed by authoritarianism under the guise of religion, ideology, or revolutionary rhetoric—unlike the situation in the North. Today’s reality in the South reveals a relatively wider space for freedoms when compared to areas under the control of groups such as the Houthis militia or Islamist factions linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. Numerous international and human rights reports confirm the extent of violations and suppression of expression under rigid ideological banners in those regions.

In contrast, the South permits space for constructive criticism and fosters a civic environment that includes unions, civil society organizations, women’s institutions, youth and child-focused entities, and more. These structures did not emerge by chance but are the result of a national southern project aimed at rebuilding and restoring the independent southern state that respects diversity and lays the foundation for a new social contract aligned with southern people aspirations.

Despite this openness, the South justifiably expresses concern over media and political campaigns that often originate from actors aligned with hostile northern forces. Some of these narratives are even amplified by certain external parties that reflect a clear double standard in their rhetoric.

To draw a comparative example: imagine an entity within the United States that persistently criticizes Washington and incites against it, while simultaneously praising Moscow. Such a stance would naturally be questioned for its credibility and objectivity. This mirrors what is occurring in South, where some voices—claiming to advocate for rights and freedoms—harshly attack the South while whitewashing or even promoting the Houthis or Islamist forces in Marib, despite well-documented human rights violations by both. This inconsistency cannot be viewed as genuine support for freedoms; it is rather a political tool.

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) under leadership of president Al Zubaidi is not an imposed entity—it emerged through popular southern support. Its positions reflect the aspirations of southern people seeking to restore and build an independent, civil state. Suggesting that such a publicly mandated body would act against its own people is illogical and ignores the reality that southerners have repeatedly rejected authoritarianism in the past since 1994 war.

The South carries a genuine fair legal national project, rooted in the will of its people and aligned with modern, southern and international values. Casting doubt or demonizing this project without substantial evidence does not promote stability, trust, or partnership. On the contrary, it undermines the potential for fair cooperation based on mutual respect—something the South has consistently called for in a clear and measured voice.