Khalid bin Salman: Dissolving the Transitional Council and holding a Southern Conference in Riyadh

His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Defense, affirmed that the southern issue in Yemen has entered a pivotal stage and embarked on a genuine path, enjoying the direct sponsorship of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the support of the international community. This came in the context of announcing preparations underway for a comprehensive conference in Riyadh, aimed at uniting all southern factions and groups under one umbrella to formulate a comprehensive vision for just solutions that meet the aspirations and political will of the southern people.

In a tweet posted on his official Twitter account, His Highness explained that the Kingdom is forming a preparatory committee in consultation with various influential southern figures to prepare for this important conference. The Minister of Defense emphasized that participation will be open to representatives from all southern governorates without exclusion or discrimination, affirming the Kingdom's commitment to supporting the conference's outcomes and strongly advocating for them at the dialogue table for a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis.

Commenting on the recent developments, Prince Khalid bin Salman described the decision taken by the southern leaders and figures to dissolve the "Southern Transitional Council" as a "courageous decision," noting that this step reflects a great concern for the future of the southern cause, and constitutes a strong incentive for the rest of the people of the south to actively participate in the upcoming Riyadh conference in service of their national cause.

The Saudi role and efforts to unify ranks

This announcement comes within the context of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts, spanning several years, to bridge the divide within Yemen, particularly in the southern governorates. Riyadh has consistently sought, through the Riyadh Agreement and Yemeni-Yemeni consultations, to unify political and military efforts to address current challenges and pave the way for a comprehensive peace process that will end the ongoing conflict in the country.

Background of the Southern issue and the importance of timing

These moves are of exceptional importance given the historical background of the Southern issue, which emerged clearly since the summer war of 1994, and grew with the launch of the peaceful Southern Movement in 2007. Addressing this issue is a fundamental pillar for any future stability in Yemen, as observers believe that finding a just and equitable solution for the South is the real gateway to ending the war and establishing the foundations of the state.

The implications of the decision on the political landscape

This new approach, which involves dissolving individual blocs and moving towards a comprehensive conference, is expected to fundamentally alter the Yemeni political landscape. Unifying the southern voice within a shared vision, supported regionally and internationally, will enhance the chances of success in final settlement negotiations and thwart small-scale projects that could hinder the peace process, thus heralding a new phase of political partnership and development in the liberated governorates.