The "Southern Consultative Meeting" has commenced in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, bringing together a wide array of political leaders, tribal sheikhs, and influential social figures from across southern Yemen. This significant event comes at a highly sensitive political juncture, as the parties involved seek to formulate a unified vision for the future of the southern governorates amidst the rapidly evolving Yemeni and regional landscape.
Context of unifying the southern ranks
This meeting is an extension of the tireless and ongoing efforts sponsored by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Coalition to bridge the gaps between the various Yemeni factions. The meeting focuses particularly on the southern factions, aiming to unify their ranks and consolidate the internal front to confront current political and economic challenges. These consultations are of paramount importance as they aim to overcome past differences and reach agreements that guarantee genuine partnership in decision-making, in line with the outcomes of the Riyadh Agreement and the Yemeni-Yemeni consultations.
Historical background and the importance of dialogue
Going back to the historical background, the “Southern issue” has remained a fundamental and essential focus in the Yemeni scene, especially since the summer war of 1994, and political and rights demands have escalated significantly with the launch of the peaceful Southern Movement in 2007. With the developments of events during the past years, the urgent need has emerged to find a comprehensive political framework that accommodates all active southern forces without exclusion, which is what this consultative meeting seeks to achieve through constructive and direct dialogue between the various currents.
Strategic dimensions and expected impact
Strategically, this meeting carries profound implications for the future of the comprehensive peace process in Yemen. Unifying the southern factions under a shared understanding will directly strengthen the cohesion of the Presidential Leadership Council and contribute to consolidating security and stability in the liberated governorates, from Aden to Hadramawt and Al-Mahra. Furthermore, the success of this dialogue will create a conducive environment for entering into UN-sponsored negotiations for a final solution to the Yemeni crisis from a strong and unified negotiating position.
Implications of political stability
Beyond the political dimension, the Yemeni public is eagerly awaiting the outcomes of this meeting, given the close link between political stability and living conditions. Any political agreement is expected to positively impact the economic and service sectors, potentially contributing to an improved exchange rate for the local currency, the provision of essential services such as electricity and water, and attracting investment for reconstruction – all matters that directly affect citizens' daily lives after years of suffering due to the conflict.
