Mukalla (South24 Center)

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets on Thursday (15 January) in the city of Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout, to express support for the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and to reject the decision to dissolve it issued from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

#BREAKING

South24 Video: Mass crowds in Mukalla, Hadramout, chant slogans in favor and support of STC President Aidrous Al-Zubaidi #south24 pic.twitter.com/jv298Sh6KE

— South24 | English (@South24E) January 15, 2026

Participants raised South Yemen flags and banners affirming their “commitment to the Southern Transitional Council as the legitimate political representative of the Southern cause.” They renewed their mandate for STC President Aidrous Al-Zubaidi and called for the reversal of what they described as an “illegitimate” decision to dissolve the council.

A correspondent for South24 Center reported that the rally was organized following a call by local STC bodies in Hadramout, with crowds “arriving in the thousands” at the designated gathering point. The event took place amid heightened security measures and a heavy deployment of security forces around the venue, following official warnings issued days earlier against holding unauthorized gatherings in the governorate.

#BREAKING

South24 Video: A mass rally in Mukalla, Hadramout, to support the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and reject the decision to dissolve it from Riyadh #south24 pic.twitter.com/pepnbFHMar

— South24 | English (@South24E) January 15, 2026

According to the correspondent, demonstrators reiterated their “adherence to the Constitutional Declaration issued by Al-Zubaidi in early January,” urging respect for the will of the Southern public and rejecting the imposition of decisions made outside the council’s institutional framework.

The Mukalla rally comes as part of a broader wave of popular mobilization witnessed across cities in South Yemen in recent days, including the capital Aden and the Socotra Archipelago, expressing support for the STC amid internal political controversy surrounding the reported dissolution announcement. STC spokespersons have denied the announcement, stating that it does not reflect the position of the council’s official institutions.

#BREAKING

South24 Video: Hadrami protesters chant slogans against Yemeni unity and shout: "With our soul, with our blood, we sacrifice for you, O South." #south24 pic.twitter.com/8elA3HUYs7

— South24 | English (@South24E) January 15, 2026

A large-scale demonstration is also expected to take place in Aden on Friday (16 January), following a call by STC President Aidrous Al-Zubaidi, to reaffirm public support for the Southern Transitional Council and to demand the return of the delegation currently in Riyadh.