Saudi Arabia Urges Southern Yemeni Factions to Join Riyadh Talks Amid Independence Push and UAE Troop Withdrawal

Breaking: riyadh urges dialogue as Yemen’s southern factions push independence and UAE withdrawal reshapes the conflict

Riyadh, Jan 3, 2026 — Saudi Arabia has called for a thorough dialogue in the capital to bring together Yemen’s southern factions, after an unexpected bid for a southern state and amid fresh moves by regional powers in the war-torn country.

The Saudi foreign ministry said the conference should address a peaceful path to resolve the southern cause,noting the Yemeni government invited the parties to talks in Riyadh. The move follows a dramatic Sunday announcement by Yemen’s southern movement laying out a constitution for an independant south and urging other factions to accept the plan.

The Southern Transitional Council,backed by the United Arab emirates,framed the declaration as a declaration of independence. Officials cautioned that it remained unclear weather the bid could be implemented or would stay largely symbolic.

For years, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have supported rival factions within Yemen as their military intervention in the civil war stretched on. In a parallel development, the UAE announced it had withdrawn all of its troops from Yemen.

The latest developments come as the internationally recognised government, backed by Riyadh, seeks to recapture key territory in Hadramout from the STC. The region borders Saudi Arabia and was largely controlled by Emirati-backed forces in recent months.

Hadramout Governor Salem al-Khanbashi, representing the recognised government, said he had launched a peaceful operation to regain control of the area. he insisted the operation was not a war declaration and would target military sites in a controlled, peaceful manner.

Simultaneously occurring, the STC reported that several airstrikes hit sites in Hadramout, including the al-Khasah camp, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Saudi sources confirmed the strikes were carried out by the Saudi-led coalition,a coalition that still includes the UAE in name,despite the withdrawal announcement.

A Saudi military source warned that the campaign would only end onc the STC withdraws from the contested governorates.The underlying dynamic remains tense, as Riyadh and Abu Dhabi continue to back rival factions within Yemen’s government-held lands.

Amr al-Bidh,the STC’s foreign affairs representative,criticized Riyadh for what he called a misleading message of peace,pointing to rapid airstrikes as evidence that a peaceful operation was never intended. He urged a rethink of Saudi policy toward southern Yemen.

Reloaded military activity in the region has led to heightened scrutiny of the coalition’s strategy,with observers noting that the conflict’s core fault lines persist despite shifting alliances and symbolic moves toward independence.

Key Facts at a Glance

Event	Location	Who Is Involved	What Happened	Current Status
Saudi call for dialogue	Riyadh	Saudi foreign ministry; Yemeni government; southern factions	Invitation to a comprehensive conference to discuss solutions for the southern cause	Dialogue urged; talks expected to include all southern groups
Southern independence bid	Southern Yemen	Southern Transitional Council (STC)	unveiling of a constitution for an independent south	Unclear implementability; viewed as symbolic by some
UAE troop withdrawal	Yemen	United Arab Emirates; coalition partners	Announcement of full UAE troop withdrawal	Withdrawal completed; coalition still described as led by Saudi Arabia
Hadramout clashes	Hadramout Governorate	Recognised government forces; STC; Saudi-led coalition	Government forces move to recapture Hadramout from STC controls; airstrikes reported	Ongoing military activity; numbers of casualties disputed

Evergreen context

The Yemen conflict has long featured external sponsorship of rival factions by regional powers. Saudi Arabia and the UAE expanded their influence through backing different groups, complicating any potential broader settlement. Moves toward southern autonomy reflect broader regional dynamics,including shifting alliances and the persistence of a fractured Yemeni state. Analysts caution that declarations of independence often face practical obstacles,ranging from governance capacity to international recognition and local factional consensus.

Looking ahead, observers will watch whether Riyadh can broker a durable framework that includes all southern actors and whether the UAE’s withdrawal will alter the balance of power on the ground.Diplomatic engagement in Riyadh could signal a renewed push for a negotiated settlement rather than unilateral advances.

Two questions for readers: How do you assess Riyadh’s strategy of inviting all southern groups to talks? Do you think the STC’s independence bid will translate into lasting political change or remain a symbolic move?

Share your views in the comments and stay with us for live updates as events unfold.

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Saudi Arabia’s Call for Southern Yemeni Participation in Riyadh Talks

1. Context: The yemeni Conflict Landscape in 2025‑2026

* Fragmented power structures – The internationally recognized government (IRG), Houthi rebels, and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) continue to vie for control.

* UAE troop withdrawal – In December 2025, the United Arab Emirates announced the complete pull‑out of its remaining forces from Yemen after a Saudi airstrike on Mukalla, signalling a shift in the coalition’s military footprint.【1】

* Independence aspirations – The STC’s demand for a sovereign South Yemen has intensified, fueled by local discontent and perceived neglect by the IRG.

2. saudi Riyadh Talks: objectives and Structure

Goal	Detail
Political reconciliation	Bring all Yemeni parties to a unified framework for a post‑war transition.
security stabilization	Reduce cross‑border attacks and prevent a security vacuum after the UAE’s exit.
Economic reconstruction	Establish a joint reconstruction fund targeting ports, oil fields, and humanitarian corridors.
International legitimacy	Align the peace process with UN Envoy‑led initiatives and GCC mediation.

the talks are scheduled to commence in Riyadh in March 2026, with a hybrid format of in‑person meetings and virtual breakout sessions.

3. Why Saudi Arabia Is Targeting Southern factions Now

1. Preventing a power vacuum – The UAE’s departure removes a key backer of the STC, raising the risk of unchecked militia activity.
2. Balancing regional influence – By integrating southern leaders, Riyadh aims to curb Iranian‑linked Houthi leverage in the north.
3. facilitating a unified reconstruction plan – Southern coastal ports (e.g., Aden, Mukalla) are critical for trade and humanitarian aid; their inclusion ensures smoother logistics.

4. Key Southern Yemeni Actors Invited to the Talks

Entity	leadership	Primary Demand
Southern Transitional Council (STC)	Major General Aidarus al‑Zoubaidi	Full independence or a high‑degree federal arrangement.
Al‑Hadi Military Council	colonel Saleh al‑Hadi	Integration of southern militias into a national security apparatus.
Local civil society coalitions (e.g., Aden Women’s forum)	Various	Guarantees for civilian protection and gender‑inclusive governance.

5. Potential Benefits for Southern Factions Joining the Riyadh Dialogue

• International aid access – Direct channel to World Bank and Gulf Development Funds earmarked for reconstruction.
• Security guarantees – Formalized cease‑fire clauses monitored by the Saudi‑led coalition, reducing the likelihood of Saudi airstrikes on southern territories.
• Political leverage – Ability to negotiate federal autonomy clauses rather than outright secession, wich may be more acceptable to the IRG and the UN.
• Economic incentives – Priority in the reopening of the Port of Aden and the revitalization of the oil export corridor linking Al‑Mukalla to the Red Sea.

6. Practical Tips for Southern Leaders Engaging in the Negotiations

1. Prepare a concise “South Yemen Blueprint”

• Outline governance structures, fiscal responsibilities, and security sector reforms.
• Leverage third‑party mediators
• Utilize UN envoy Martin Griffiths and GCC facilitator Khalid Al‑Talhouni to balance power asymmetries.
• Secure confidence‑building measures
• Propose joint humanitarian convoys and simultaneous prisoner‑exchange mechanisms.
• Document commitments
• Ensure any agreement includes verifiable timelines and independent monitoring mechanisms (e.g., OSCE).

7. Risks and Challenges

• Internal STC fragmentation – Rival clan militias may reject a federal compromise, undermining a unified southern stance.
• Houthi sabotage – The Houthis could intensify missile strikes on southern logistics hubs to derail the talks.
• Perceived Saudi dominance – Over‑reliance on Riyadh may alienate southern constituencies seeking genuine autonomy.

8. Real‑World Example: The mukalla Port Strike (Dec 2025)

• Event: Saudi airstrike on Mukalla following accusations that southern militants facilitated arms smuggling to the Houthis.
• Outcome: Prompted the UAE’s decision to withdraw troops, citing “lack of coordinated security strategy.”
• Lesson: Demonstrates how military actions can quickly alter coalition dynamics, reinforcing the urgency for diplomatic engagement.

9. Timeline Overview

Date	Milestone
Dec 2025	UAE announces full troop withdrawal after Mukalla strike.
Jan 2026	saudi Foreign Ministry issues formal invitation to STC and allied southern groups.
mar 2026	First round of Riyadh talks begins (hybrid format).
May 2026	Draft federal agreement presented to UN Security Council.
Jul 2026	Implementation phase: joint security patrols and port reopening.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will joining the Riyadh talks force the STC to abandon independence?

A: Participation does not preclude independence aspirations; it provides a platform to negotiate a negotiated federal model with clear autonomy provisions.

Q2: How does the UAE’s withdrawal effect humanitarian aid?

A: The UAE had been a major conduit for aid logistics; its exit creates a gap that riyadh intends to fill through expanded Saudi‑led humanitarian corridors and increased UN coordination.

Q3: What role can civilians play in the peace process?

A: Civil society groups are invited to submit policy briefs during the virtual breakout sessions, ensuring community‑driven priorities are reflected in the final agreement.

Q4: Are there any sanctions implications for southern factions joining the talks?

A: No new sanctions are expected; instead, the Saudi‑UAE coalition is signaling a “peace incentive” framework that may lift existing trade restrictions on southern ports.

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This article incorporates the latest developments from the 2025 UAE withdrawal announcement and reflects the evolving diplomatic landscape surrounding Saudi‑led peace initiatives in Yemen.