The Southern community in Washington DC

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The Southern Community Delegation in Washington, International Diplomacy, in Service of the Cause of the Southern People

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South Eye | Report - Exclusive

Washington, D.C. witnessed a significant milestone in the international advocacy efforts of the South of Yemen community between June 15 and 18, 2025. For the first time, the U.S. Congress hosted a large-scale event organized by the Southern diaspora under the title "South of Yemen Advocacy Day in Washington." This unprecedented initiative marked a shift in the role of the Southern community in the United States—from traditional, limited engagement to a structured and impactful approach to advocacy within American policymaking circles.

The event brought together a wide range of Southern youth, community leaders, and civil activists from across the U.S., along with representatives from the Southern Transitional Council. It began with an intensive training program focused on advocacy tools, understanding how the U.S. Congress functions, and conducting simulated meetings within both the House and Senate. These sessions aimed to equip participants with the skills needed to present the Southern cause effectively and professionally within the U.S. political environment.

Throughout the event, the Southern delegation held official meetings with several members of the U.S. House of Representatives, officials from the State Department, and researchers from prominent think tanks specializing in Middle Eastern affairs. These discussions centered on the future of the peace process in Yemen, the need to rightful fair incorporate the aspirations of the Southern people into any comprehensive political settlement, calls to reopen the U.S. Consulate in Aden, and the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Southern governorates..

The meetings also addressed regional security concerns, particularly threats posed by the Houthis and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), and highlighted the South’s already and potential role in promoting stability and combating terrorism and extremisim in coordination with the international community.

This initiative reflects a growing institutional maturity within the Southern diaspora and a clear intent to engage effectively with Western civil institutions. It also follows the Southern Transitional Council’s recent establishment of an official diplomatic mission in Washington on May 3, 2025—an important step toward enhancing South of Yemen’s international presence and building channels of communication with the United States.

It is worth noting that international positive engagement—especially from the United States—plays a crucial role in advancing these relationships. While initial signs of mutual interest and understanding have emerged, the momentum remains limited. Nevertheless, this beginning signals a constructive path forward. The event demonstrates a meaningful evolution in Southern advocacy abroad and offers a foundation upon which stronger, more consistent partnerships can be built in support of peace, civil state and the aspirations of the Southern people.