Southern leaders: Riyadh conference is a gateway to sustainable partnership and resolving the crisis
Political leaders from southern Yemen affirmed that the Riyadh conference and its associated political consultations represent a rare historical opportunity to correct the political course and establish a realistic and sustainable partnership that guarantees the rights of all parties and lays the foundation for a new era of stability in the region. These statements come at a time when the Yemeni arena is witnessing intensive diplomatic activity under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council, particularly Saudi Arabia, aimed at unifying ranks and ending the ongoing conflict.
The importance of timing and political context
These consultations are significant given the sensitivity of the current phase of the Yemeni conflict, as the international and regional community seeks a consensus formula to end the war and put an end to the humanitarian crisis. Observers believe that the southern leaders' description of the conference as a "historic opportunity" stems from the urgent need to address the shortcomings of previous agreements and to work towards building a political structure that reflects the true balance of power on the ground, especially after the military and political shifts witnessed in the southern governorates in recent years.
Historical roots and the demand for partnership
The discussion of the Riyadh conference cannot be separated from the historical context of the Southern issue, which has remained a central focus of the Yemeni landscape since 1994, escalating with the launch of the Southern Movement in 2007. The concept of "realistic partnership" put forward by Southern leaders clearly indicates the need to move beyond piecemeal solutions and acknowledge that Yemen's stability hinges on a just resolution to the Southern issue that is acceptable to the people of the South. The Riyadh Agreement, signed in November 2019, and the subsequent consultations that led to the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council in April 2022, constituted fundamental building blocks in this process. However, its practical implementation and the fulfillment of its political and economic provisions remain the primary test of the success of any settlement.
Regional and international dimensions
Regionally, the success of the Riyadh conference is a strategic interest for the Arab Coalition and the international community. Stability in southern Yemen and a unified front against the Houthi project are essential for securing international shipping lanes in Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea. International powers recognize that marginalizing any key player, particularly the Southern Transitional Council and other southern forces, could perpetuate the state of neither war nor peace, hindering development and reconstruction efforts.
In conclusion, the bet remains on the seriousness of all parties in turning the outcomes of the Riyadh conference into a tangible reality that guarantees a genuine partnership in decision-making, resource management, and shaping the country’s future, in a way that fulfills citizens’ aspirations for security and a decent life.
