Constitutional Declaration Proposes "State of South Arabia" with Aden as Capital

On January 2, 2026, a significant Constitutional Declaration was issued from Aden, Yemen, outlining the framework for a proposed "State of South Arabia." This declaration is based on various resolutions and documents from international bodies, including the United Nations and the Arab League, as well as the Southern Transitional Council"s (STC) "Southern National Pact."

Key Details

Aden has been designated as the capital of the proposed state, with its borders aligning with those of the former People"s Democratic Republic of Yemen, which existed from 1967 until the unification of Yemen in 1990. The declaration establishes a governance structure where the president will appoint a temporary government to oversee a transitional period lasting two years. This period can be extended once by the transitional legislature if deemed necessary.

Importantly, the declaration specifies that there will be no automatic assumption of past debts or contracts by the new state, except following an independent legal review. This provision aims to ensure financial clarity and accountability as the new government establishes itself.

The proposed state emphasizes the principle of equality before the law and commits to protecting the family unit. Additionally, it intends to adopt international civil, political, and social rights covenants as the foundation of citizenship, aligning with global human rights standards.

A strategic security doctrine has also been outlined, which emphasizes counterterrorism efforts in collaboration with regional and international partners. This doctrine highlights the importance of security in maintaining stability within the new state.

Key security bodies, including general intelligence, national defense, and counterterrorism units, will report directly to the presidency, ensuring that security measures are effectively coordinated at the highest level of government.

Furthermore, a National Authority for Planning and Policy-Making will be established. This authority will incorporate various functions, including statistics, information gathering, and decision-support centers, to facilitate informed governance and policy development.

Background

The Southern Transitional Council (STC) has been a significant political force in southern Yemen, advocating for greater autonomy and self-governance. The declaration comes amidst ongoing political instability and conflict in Yemen, which has been exacerbated by the civil war that began in 2014. The STC"s push for a separate state reflects long-standing grievances among southern Yemenis regarding political representation and resource allocation.

What"s Next

The establishment of the "State of South Arabia" could have profound implications for the region, particularly in terms of governance, security, and international relations. The transitional government will need to navigate complex political dynamics, including relations with the internationally recognized Yemeni government and ongoing conflicts with Houthi forces in the north. As previously reported, the STC has urged state institutions to normalize life in Aden, highlighting the urgent need for stability and governance in the region. For more on this, see our related coverage.