In a pivotal step aimed at restructuring the Yemeni political landscape from within, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, affirmed that the Southern issue now has a genuine and effective track sponsored by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and enjoys broad support from the international community. This came during His Highness's announcement of arrangements for the "Riyadh Conference," through which the Kingdom seeks to bring together all factions and representatives of the people of the South at one table, with the goal of developing a comprehensive vision for just solutions that meet their aspirations and fulfill their legitimate demands.
In a tweet posted on his official Twitter account, the Minister of Defense explained that the Kingdom is forming a preparatory committee, which will work in close consultation with influential southern figures to prepare for this important conference. His Highness emphasized that the conference will see broad participation from southern figures representing all southern governorates without exclusion or discrimination, affirming that the Kingdom will strongly support the conference's outcomes so they can be presented as a fundamental pillar in the comprehensive political solution dialogue in Yemen.
Commenting on recent developments, Prince Khalid bin Salman praised the decision by southern figures and leaders to dissolve the Southern Transitional Council, describing it as a "courageous decision." He noted that this step reflects a strong commitment to the future of the southern cause and provides a powerful incentive for other southern groups and communities to participate in the Riyadh conference, thus serving their national interests.
Historical context and the Saudi role
These moves are an extension of the historical and pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Yemeni file, where the Kingdom has led tireless diplomatic and political efforts to bridge the divide between the various Yemeni factions. Riyadh has long been the capital of Yemeni consensus-based decision-making, from the Gulf Initiative to the Riyadh Agreement, which aimed to unify ranks in the face of challenges. The Saudi leadership understands that stability in Yemen cannot be achieved without a just solution to the Southern issue, which is considered a key to lasting peace in the region.
The importance of unifying the southern ranks
This declaration holds immense strategic importance at both the local and regional levels. Locally, unifying the southern factions ends the fragmentation that could be exploited by parties hostile to Yemen, and strengthens the position of the legitimate government and national forces in any future negotiations to end the Houthi coup. Regionally and internationally, the existence of a unified representative for the southern cause, enjoying broad consensus, facilitates the work of the UN envoy and the international community in formulating a roadmap for comprehensive peace. This roadmap will guarantee the rights of all parties and establish a safe and stable transitional phase, positively impacting maritime security in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and bolstering Arab national security.
