Understanding Southern Yemen: Unity, History, and the Search for Peace

 

When we look at the world today, we feel both hope and fear. We see progress in technology, medicine, and new ideas. At the same time, many parts of the world are facing war and suffering. Conflicts like the Russia–Ukraine war, the Gaza–Palestine crisis, protests in Europe, and unrest in the Middle East make people worry about the future. In the middle of all this, Yemen continues to face one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Years of political division and outside involvement have made the situation worse. Still, a strong voice for peace is growing. Many believe that restoring Southern Yemen as one united political entity can help bring stability and hope to the region.

Before 1990, Yemen existed as two separate states, North Yemen and the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen). The South had its own government, institutions, and political identity. Regions such as Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah were integral parts of this southern state, closely tied to its political and social framework.

Although Yemen unified in 1990, tensions persisted. Many in the South felt politically and economically marginalized, leading to conflict in the 1990s and ongoing instability in the decades that followed.

Today, renewed political developments, particularly the growing influence of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) across southern territories, reflect rising public calls for autonomy and restoration. For many Southerners, this is not a temporary demand but a long-standing historical claim.

Supporters argue that Southern Yemen is not a collection of separate provinces but a single, unified region with shared history and aspirations. Excluding areas like Hadhramaut and Al-Mahrah from any political framework risks deepening divisions and prolonging instability. If we see this issue as an advocate of peace, we can say a unified South offers a clearer path toward security, economic recovery, effective humanitarian coordination, and long-term regional stability.
Recognizing Southern Yemen’s unity seems essential for building a lasting and inclusive peace in Yemen.