Khalid bin Salman: Dissolving the Southern Transitional Council is a courageous decision, and a comprehensive conference will be held in Riyadh
His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Minister of Defense, affirmed that the Southern issue in Yemen has entered a pivotal stage and a genuine process, enjoying the direct sponsorship of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and broad support from the international community. This came in conjunction with the announcement of preparations for the Riyadh Conference, which aims to unite all Southern factions and groups under one umbrella.
In a tweet posted on his official X account, His Highness explained that the Kingdom is in the process of forming a preparatory committee, which will work in close consultation with various influential southern figures, to ensure thorough preparation for the upcoming conference. He emphasized that this conference will witness broad participation from figures representing all southern governorates without any exclusion or discrimination, with the aim of developing a comprehensive vision for just solutions that meet the aspirations and will of the southern people.
Historical context and ongoing Saudi role
This announcement comes as an extension of the pivotal role Saudi Arabia has played in the Yemeni file for years, as Riyadh has consistently sought to bridge the gap between Yemeni factions. The Kingdom has long been the primary sponsor of the Riyadh Agreement (2019) and subsequent Riyadh consultations, which aimed to unify ranks in the face of political and military challenges. This new move reflects the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to finding sustainable political solutions that guarantee the stability of Yemen and the region, and underscores the importance of addressing the Southern issue as an integral part of a final solution to the Yemeni crisis.
The importance of the decision and its impact on the peace process
Commenting on recent developments, Prince Khalid bin Salman described the decision by southern leaders and figures to dissolve the Southern Transitional Council as a "courageous decision." He noted that this step reflects a strong commitment to the future of the southern cause and serves as a powerful incentive for other southern groups and people to actively participate in the Riyadh conference.
Observers believe that this step, and the subsequent outcomes of the Riyadh conference, will constitute a pivotal turning point in the course of the crisis. Unifying the southern voice and ending the fragmentation will strengthen the southern cause when it is presented at the final negotiations for a comprehensive political solution in Yemen. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's declared support for the conference's outcomes provides international and regional guarantees for the implementation of any agreements reached, paving the way for long-term stability and ending years of conflict.
The Minister of Defense concluded his statement by affirming that the Kingdom will strongly support the outcomes of this conference, so that they can be integrated and presented within the framework of a comprehensive political solution, in a way that guarantees the rights of all and achieves security and stability in brotherly Yemen.
