The Southern Transitional Council of Yemen has announced the start of a two-year transition period and plans to hold a referendum on the status of the south.

Adrus Zubedi, chairman of Yemen’s Southern Transitional Council, announced the launch of a two-year “transition phase” during which dialogue between the north and south will be promoted. At the end of the transition period, a referendum on the future status of the south will be held to exercise the “right to self-determination.” The referendum will be conducted under United Nations supervision. The Southern Transitional Council called on the international community to provide support and mediation for dialogue between the north and south to facilitate a comprehensive end to the conflict. Furthermore, the Southern Transitional Council stated its willingness to maintain communication with the northern “National Forces” to negotiate relevant arrangements during the transition period based on shared interests. It also emphasized that the South will continue to support northern forces in confronting the Houthi armed group and promoting the reconstruction of state institutions.