Thousands demand ‘liberation’ of Southern Yemen

Thousands of Yemenis took to the streets of Aden to demand secession of Southern Yemen from the north, TRT World reported, however President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi has said he will not allow this to happen.

The rally followed the announcement of a Southern Political Council (SPC) on the 11 May, by the former governor of Aden, Aiderous Al-Zubaidi.

Read: Saudi-UAE divided over southern Yemen

In a speech addressing Unity Day of Yemen today, Hadi said he will not allow “fragile entities” to unlawfully form governments in the country. The president stressed that people should not be distracted from the “rebellion, coup, and terrorism” which have afflicted the country.

Currently there are three governments in Yemen: the Iranian-backed Houthi group in the north, the transitional government led by Hadi and the newly formed SPC in the south. This has caused severe tension within the Saudi-led coalition, which intervened in 2015 to assist Hadi’s government. Since then, the UAE has declared support for the SPC led by Al-Zubaidi, whilst the Gulf Cooperation Council distanced itself from the new body.

Read more: Yemen government reshuffle reinforces Saudi influence

The latest southern political protest comes as Hadi is expected to announce a government reshuffle that will incorporate Saudi influence in the country.