Southern Yemeni separatists publish constitution and plan independence referendum

Yemen's Southern Transitional Council (STC) has published a 30-article constitution and said it will hold a referendum on independence after a two-year transition period. The constitution calls for creation of "the State of South Arabia", covering the territory of the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, and says a referendum would follow two years in which "relevant parties" in north and south should hold dialogue on a path to self-determination.

The move, backed by the United Arab Emirates, escalates a confrontation between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's internationally recognised government. The UAE announced it was pulling its troops out of Yemen shortly after the STC statement. Last month STC-linked fighters seized control of two southern provinces and took over the presidential palace in Aden, forcing the government to relocate to Riyadh.

On Friday, Saudi warplanes struck camps and positions held by the STC in Hadramout as Saudi-backed fighters sought to seize the facilities, a separatist official said. Saudi Arabia has also bombed STC forces and struck what it said was a shipment of Emirati weapons destined for the separatists.

The Saudi- and UAE-led coalition has been focused on fighting Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in the north and restoring the internationally recognised government, but tensions among partners risk undermining those aims.

Key Topics

Sports, Southern Transitional Council, Aidarous Al Zoubeidi, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Houthi Rebels