February 4, 2026

The American Mideast Coalition for Democracy opposes this action to close the General Assembly of the Southern Transitional Council in Yemen and call on Saudi Arabia to order its re-opening immediately.

The Southern Transitional Council’s General Assembly, which includes the National Assembly and the Consultative Council, represents the comprehensive political framework that expresses the will of the people of South Yemen, which includes the vital port city of Aden.  The General Assembly is the only vehicle the southern people have for political expression and its closing constitutes suppression of their legitimate rights.

In a statement the STC,  “affirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that political and human rights activities in the capital, Aden, and all southern governorates are conducted in a safe environment, with full guarantees of freedoms, and rejects any militarization of civilian institutions or political intimidation by force.”

AMCD is concerned that this action will only spark further tension and unrest. We call on all relevant parties to de-escalate the rhetoric and work together to re-open the General Assembly so that peaceful, democratic processes will prevail over tyrannical oppression. Let the people of South Yemen speak!

UPDATE: The Southern Transitional Council’s (STC) National Assembly headquarters in Tawahi district of the capital, Aden, was reopened Sunday (February 1), two days after it was closed by a military force that prevented staff and Assembly members from entering.

The reopening came following widespread protests and a mass street rally that moved through the Maalla and Tawahi districts.