The Southern Cause Between the West and East

التالى السابق

South Yemen's Right to Recognition and the Need for International Support of Its Path Toward Self-Governance

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South Eye | Report - Exclusive

After more than a decade of war, political division, and institutional collapse in the region, South Yemen today stands out as a relatively stable model, driven by popular Southern firm cohesion and a clear political will. While northern regions remain under the control of armed groups with ideological and religious agendas—such as the Houthis and the Muslim Brotherhood (operating under the umbrella of the Islah Party)—the South supported by its regional allies has succeeded, within limited resources, in building administrative and security structures that are comparatively more capable of maintaining order and managing community affairs.

This current reality demands a new reading of the Yemeni equation, one that acknowledges the existence of two distinct entities, peoples, projects on the ground: the North, ruled by fragmented and ideologically driven authorities lacking popular legitimacy, and the South represented by its leadership in Southern Transitional Council, which has shown a serious commitment to good governance, security, and constructive engagement with the international community. Ignoring this contrast does not serve the goals of peace or development, but rather reinforces stagnation and deepens southern frustration.

The people of South Yemen are firmly rooted in their land and united in their pursuit of reclaiming their independent southern state—not as a reactionary sentiment, but as the logical result of decades of marginalization and violations, most notably the 1994 war and its aftermath, which dismantled southern institutions and marginalized its voice. This steadfastness is evident in popular protest, demonstrations, struggle and the unified political discourse among diverse southern actors, affirming that their goal is not mere independence, but the restoration of a legal state that existed before the unification in 1990.

International cooperation with South Yemen should not be seen as a political gamble, but rather as a rational investment in long-term regional stability. The southern experience has proven itself more resilient and open to engagement—seen in the relative security in major cities and recent diplomatic outreach, including in Washington, where southern representatives have presented a mature political vision and a readiness to expand international partnerships based on mutual respect and institution-building.

In contrast, continued reliance on northern actors—whether affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood or the Houthis—only breeds more instability. These forces lack true popular legitimacy and are responsible for disrupting state-building, looting resources, and fueling sectarian and ideological conflicts. Consequently, ongoing support for such actors is perceived in the South as unjust and damaging to trust, further widening the gap between southern people fair aspirations and the international position.

Promoting a project of stability in the South does not depend solely on southern will, which clearly exists—it also requires an international position that acknowledges these facts and chooses to engage constructively. What is needed is not only political recognition but an acknowledgment that the South is a legitimate actor with a clear vision, a strong social base, and the potential to offer a better model of governance if given the opportunity.

Attempts to ignore or pressure the South under outdated unification narratives or traditional diplomacy are no longer viable and will only undermine prospects for stable solutions. Every time the South is overlooked or pressured, trust is eroded, and so are the chances for meaningful engagement. Should the South turn to alternative paths or remain patient, it will not alter the fact that the international community—sooner or later—will have to face the inevitability of the southern people's choice and their fair, legal demand for a southern independent sovereign state.

Hence, the Southen people, for sure is not seeking emotional support, but rational steps that align with reality and serve shared interests. Recognition of the South and support for its self-governance efforts is the most consistent approach to promoting stability, good governance, and combating terrorism, extremism. It is also the most reliable path toward a genuine partnership that can benefit all..