Yemen’s Southern Separatists Welcome Saudi Call for Dialogue Amid Regional Tensions
Southern Transitional Council signals openness to talks as Saudi Arabia seeks de-escalation during strains with the United Arab Emirates
Yemen’s southern separatists have welcomed a call from Saudi Arabia for dialogue, signalling a potential opening for political engagement at a time of heightened regional tension and reported differences between Riyadh and the United Arab Emirates over Yemen’s future.
The Southern Transitional Council, which seeks an independent state in southern Yemen and is backed by the UAE, said the Saudi initiative was a constructive step toward addressing long-running disputes through discussion rather than confrontation.
The response came after Saudi officials urged Yemeni factions to engage in talks aimed at stabilising areas under anti-Houthi control and reducing internal frictions that have periodically erupted into armed clashes.
Leaders of the Southern Transitional Council said dialogue could help clarify political arrangements and security responsibilities in the south, provided it respects what they described as the aspirations and sacrifices of southern Yemenis.
Saudi Arabia has played a central role in Yemen since leading a coalition against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, while the UAE has been a key partner with its own local allies, including the southern separatists.
Differences in priorities between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have at times surfaced, particularly over governance and influence in southern regions.
Observers say the Saudi call for dialogue reflects an effort to manage these tensions and prevent further fragmentation among forces opposed to the Houthis.
The Southern Transitional Council stressed that any talks should be comprehensive and conducted under regional auspices, adding that confidence-building measures would be essential to ensure progress.
The group has previously clashed with forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, despite both sides nominally opposing the Houthis.
The development comes as Saudi Arabia continues to pursue a broader de-escalation in Yemen, including efforts to sustain a fragile lull in fighting with the Houthis and to encourage political processes that could lead to a more durable settlement.
Whether dialogue between southern separatists and other Yemeni actors can gain momentum remains uncertain, but the initial welcome suggests a tentative willingness to explore diplomatic pathways amid a complex regional backdrop.
The Southern Transitional Council, which seeks an independent state in southern Yemen and is backed by the UAE, said the Saudi initiative was a constructive step toward addressing long-running disputes through discussion rather than confrontation.
The response came after Saudi officials urged Yemeni factions to engage in talks aimed at stabilising areas under anti-Houthi control and reducing internal frictions that have periodically erupted into armed clashes.
Leaders of the Southern Transitional Council said dialogue could help clarify political arrangements and security responsibilities in the south, provided it respects what they described as the aspirations and sacrifices of southern Yemenis.
Saudi Arabia has played a central role in Yemen since leading a coalition against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement, while the UAE has been a key partner with its own local allies, including the southern separatists.
Differences in priorities between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have at times surfaced, particularly over governance and influence in southern regions.
Observers say the Saudi call for dialogue reflects an effort to manage these tensions and prevent further fragmentation among forces opposed to the Houthis.
The Southern Transitional Council stressed that any talks should be comprehensive and conducted under regional auspices, adding that confidence-building measures would be essential to ensure progress.
The group has previously clashed with forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, despite both sides nominally opposing the Houthis.
The development comes as Saudi Arabia continues to pursue a broader de-escalation in Yemen, including efforts to sustain a fragile lull in fighting with the Houthis and to encourage political processes that could lead to a more durable settlement.
Whether dialogue between southern separatists and other Yemeni actors can gain momentum remains uncertain, but the initial welcome suggests a tentative willingness to explore diplomatic pathways amid a complex regional backdrop.
