News - Yemen: Aden Governor Tareq Mustafa Salam on Friday affirmed the rejection by the people of Aden and all residents of Yemen’s occupied southern provinces of the so-called “constitutional declaration” issued by the Southern Transitional Council (STC) militia, stressing that such unilateral moves do not represent the will of the southern and eastern provinces but rather reflect the state of fragmentation and collapse gripping the militia.

Salam warned that the declaration comes within the framework of destructive schemes targeting the entire region, saying the moves sought by the militia are an extension of a Zionist project aimed at fragmenting Arab states and dividing their territories. He pointed to the conspiracies targeting “Somaliland” as a prelude to attempts to legitimize division in Yemen in order to control its coastlines and international maritime passages.

He said these failed unilateral decisions are a desperate attempt to export the militia’s internal crises and a clear escape from growing public anger fueled by failure on all levels. According to Salam, the militia is seeking, through what it labels a “constitutional declaration,” to create a foothold for partition projects rejected by the free people of the southern and eastern provinces, who, he said, refuse to allow their sacrifices to be traded in a Zionist marketplace in the region.

The Aden governor emphasized that the fate and sovereign decision of the southern and eastern provinces belong exclusively to their people and will not be dictated by militias beholden to foreign powers. He called on all tribal, political, and social components to remain vigilant and to unite against reckless gambles that threaten the social fabric and serve the agendas of forces hostile to the nation.

Salam concluded by saying that “the era of militia dictates has come to an end,” warning that any attempt to impose an illegitimate political reality under the guise of fabricated “constitutional declarations” will be shattered by the awareness and steadfastness of Yemen’s people in confronting all colonial and Zionist projects.

The Southern Transitional Council, backed by the United Arab Emirates, has in recent years sought to consolidate control over parts of southern Yemen, promoting secessionist initiatives amid Yemen’s prolonged conflict. These moves have repeatedly drawn criticism from political and social forces who argue they undermine national sovereignty and deepen internal divisions, particularly as Yemen continues to face the consequences of war, foreign intervention, and a fragile political and humanitarian situation.