Aden (South24 Center)

Tens of thousands gathered in Al-Aroud Square in the capital, Aden, on Friday (February 27), in a mass rally called for by the Southern Transitional Council (STC). Participants renewed their allegiance to the Council and the mandate of its President, Major General Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, according to a statement issued.

The statement noted that the participants affirmed their adherence to the Political and Constitutional Declarations issued on January 2 of this year, in addition to the Southern National Charter, considering them "binding political references" that reflect the popular will in the South.

Protesters raised the flags of the South and portraits of Al-Zubaidi, chanting slogans confirming their support for the STC as the political representative of their cause.

The statement emphasized the rejection of any attempts to "create alternative political entities that lack popular legitimacy."

The statement condemned the decisions to close the STC headquarters in Aden, including the General Secretariat and the National Assembly, considering these steps a political escalation and an attempt to undermine the Council's role and institutions.

The headquarters were closed on February 22, and the STC accused the Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), Rashad Al-Alimi, of issuing the orders.

#BREAKING

Watch South24 Center aerial footage of “Steadfastness” rally in Aden backing Southern Transitional Council#south24 pic.twitter.com/RSbmyoC8JZ

— South24 | English (@South24E) February 27, 2026

Furthermore, participants demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the STC representatives in Riyadh, referring to the delegation that arrived in Saudi Arabia on January 7 and announced the dissolution of the STC from there. While some delegation members claim they are moving freely without restrictions, the STC maintains that the delegation is unable to leave Saudi Arabia.

The statement declared support for any serious political dialogue, provided it is held in the capital, Aden, under clear regional and international guarantees. It emphasized that any final agreement regarding the future of the South "must be submitted to a popular referendum," reaffirming the demand for self-determination.

The statement warned against the continued operation of what it described as the "de facto government" in Aden without consensus with the Southern national movement represented by the STC, considering that bypassing the principle of partnership could lead to further political tension in the city.

On the security and military front, participants rejected any measures aimed at dismantling the Southern Armed Forces or weakening their role, warning against using the military establishment as a "repressive tool against Southerners." The statement called for an international investigation into Saudi airstrikes that targeted Southern forces, as well as violations against peaceful protesters in recent weeks in Shabwa, Hadramout, and Aden.

#BREAKING

Aden mass rally statement: We reaffirm commitment to the Southern Transitional Council#south24 pic.twitter.com/cbjYn1pzXe

— South24 | English (@South24E) February 27, 2026

The statement also held the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in its capacity as the "manager of the Yemen file," responsible for what it described as imposing a de facto government and marginalizing the STC. No immediate comment was issued by the Presidential Leadership Council or relevant authorities regarding the demands and accusations contained in the statement.