Southern political leaders meeting in Riyadh on Sunday, January 18, 2026, issued a statement outlining their plan for Southern Yemen’s political future. The group said it aims to restore an independent Southern state through close coordination with Saudi Arabia.
The statement followed talks held under the title “Southern Meeting to Discuss Efforts for Resolving the Issue of the People of the South”. Organizers said the meeting brought together leaders from across Southern provinces and social groups.
They said the South is seeking a fair and secure political settlement. The statement rejected escalation and warned against internal disputes that could damage stability.
The leaders described Saudi Arabia as a central partner in the process. They said discussions with Saudi officials showed agreement on the need for a political solution that allows Southerners to decide their future.
According to the statement, Saudi Arabia supports a comprehensive process that guarantees the Southern people the right to self-determination, including the option of restoring a fully sovereign Southern state, without prior conditions.
The group described the upcoming Saudi-sponsored Southern Dialogue as a rare opportunity. It warned that divisions within the South or tensions with Riyadh could undermine the talks.
The statement stressed that the process will include all Southern groups. It said no party will be sidelined and promised broad participation and shared responsibility.
On economic issues, the leaders said the Riyadh meetings produced tangible outcomes. They pointed to progress on addressing four months of unpaid salaries and said Saudi Arabia has taken steps to ease the burden on civilians.
They also said Saudi officials gave assurances that Southern forces, including the Giants Brigade, Nation’s Shield, Land Forces, and Elite Forces, will receive full salaries and additional support. The statement said this assistance forms part of a longer-term partnership aimed at economic stability.
On security, the leaders named Houthi forces as the main threat to the South and the wider region. They said Southern forces will continue operations against armed groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
The statement rejected media campaigns that seek to undermine Saudi Arabia’s role or target Southern military and security institutions.
In closing, the leaders urged people in the South to support the Saudi-backed dialogue. They described it as the safest path toward achieving national goals with the lowest cost.
They also called on the international community to respect the aspirations of the Southern people and to support the Riyadh-led process as the most practical route to lasting peace and regional stability.
“We will handle the Southern cause with the responsibility of a state, not with slogans or emotional reactions”, the statement said.