Aden (South24 Center)

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) is continuing preparations to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the “Aden Historic Declaration” and the founding of the Council, scheduled for May 4, amid intensive political and organizational arrangements.

According to sources within the STC, the celebrations will be centered in three main cities: Aden, Mukalla, and Seiyun. The main event is expected to take place in the capital, Aden, on May 4, while cities in Hadramout are likely to host large-scale events the following day, May 5.

Additional events are also expected to be held in major cities across other governorates.

The STC views the occasion as a pivotal moment to renew the popular mandate granted to its President, Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, to represent the Southern cause in international forums and within the broader political process.

In this context, the preparatory committee approved the official slogan for the celebrations, “The Will of a People… The Restoration of a Nation,” which the Council said reflects a new phase of national cohesion.

The Administrative Body of the National Assembly and the Council of Advisors called on citizens to participate widely in the upcoming events, aiming to send a political message to regional and international actors about the Southerners’ commitment to their political leadership and future choices.

The anticipated mobilization comes in the context of field movements witnessed in recent months, during which the STC organized a series of large-scale demonstrations in Aden. Supporters expressed their rejection of what they described as an announcement to dissolve the Council, adopted by some of its members in Riyadh.

During that period, STC offices in Aden and Hadramout were closed for several weeks before reopening in early April under pressure from mass protests.

In Hadramout, the STC Executive Body held an expanded meeting in Mukalla on April 23 to discuss arrangements for the “May 5 Million-Man March,” including the formation of field committees to oversee the movement of crowds arriving from coastal and valley areas.

The body called on the people of Hadramout to participate widely in the upcoming event at Freedom Square in Mukalla, affirming popular alignment behind the STC leadership.

In a related context, STC spokesperson Anwar Al-Tamimi told Erem News that the upcoming events represent an opportunity to renew popular support for the Council.

He added that this year’s anniversary comes amid political shifts, as the Council seeks to strengthen its diplomatic presence and secure its position in any forthcoming political settlement.

The “Aden Declaration” dates back to May 4, 2017, when the capital, Aden, witnessed a massive public gathering attended by hundreds of thousands. The event resulted in mandating Aidarous Al-Zubaidi to form a political leadership, which later culminated in the establishment of the Southern Transitional Council.

These preparations come amid a controversial legal escalation following the issuance of mandatory arrest warrants by the Specialized Criminal Prosecution in Aden against several STC leaders, including Acting Secretary-General Waddah Al-Halmi, on charges related to inciting chaos and undermining security.

The STC described these measures as attempts at political intimidation.