Saudi Arabia has announced its readiness to host a comprehensive Yemeni dialogue in Riyadh aimed at addressing the long-standing and increasingly urgent southern Yemen issue, a major flashpoint in the country’s prolonged conflict. The initiative follows a formal request from Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, and signals a renewed push toward political solutions and inclusive negotiations.
The proposal reflects Riyadh’s intention to bring all southern Yemeni factions together under one diplomatic framework, offering a platform for dialogue rather than unilateral actions or further escalation. With growing regional and international support, the Saudi offer marks a potentially pivotal moment in Yemen’s complex political landscape.
This article examines what Saudi Arabia’s proposal involves, why the southern issue is critical to Yemen’s future, how regional actors have responded, and what the initiative could mean for the broader peace process.
Background: Understanding Yemen’s Southern Issue
The southern issue in Yemen refers to a web of political, social, and territorial disputes involving the country’s southern governorates, including Hadramawt, Al-Mahra, Aden, and areas that once formed the former state of South Yemen prior to unification in 1990.
At the heart of the dispute is the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a powerful political and military actor that has advocated for greater autonomy for the south and, in some cases, full independence. The STC’s position directly challenges the authority of the internationally recognised Yemeni government, which seeks to preserve national unity while pursuing reforms through negotiation.
The southern question is deeply rooted in historical grievances, economic disparities, and political marginalisation perceived by many southern Yemenis. Years of conflict have further entrenched divisions, making the issue one of the most sensitive and consequential elements of Yemen’s broader civil war.
Escalation and Recent Developments
Tensions escalated further in late 2025 when the STC announced a two-year transitional roadmap that would culminate in a referendum on self-determination for southern Yemen. This move was strongly opposed by Yemen’s central government and raised alarm in Riyadh, which views unilateral steps toward secession as a direct threat to Yemen’s territorial integrity and long-term stability.
In response, Saudi-backed forces made efforts to reassert control over strategic areas previously dominated by the STC, underlining the depth of unresolved divisions. These developments highlighted the risk of renewed internal conflict in the south at a time when broader peace efforts in Yemen remain fragile.
Against this backdrop, Saudi Arabia’s call for dialogue represents a strategic shift toward de-escalation and political engagement.
Saudi Arabia’s Offer to Host the Dialogue
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Kingdom welcomes the request from Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council to convene a comprehensive southern dialogue in Riyadh. In its statement, Riyadh emphasised its readiness to host and sponsor talks that would include all southern Yemeni factions without exception.
The objective, Saudi officials said, is to help southern Yemenis develop a comprehensive and just political vision that addresses legitimate grievances, aspirations, and concerns within a unified Yemeni framework.
Key messages from Saudi Arabia’s offer include:
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Dialogue is the only viable path forward
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Unilateral actions risk deepening divisions
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Inclusive political participation is essential
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Yemen’s unity and stability must be preserved
By positioning itself as a facilitator rather than an enforcer, Saudi Arabia is seeking to reframe its role from primarily a military backer to a political broker.
What the Riyadh Dialogue Aims to Achieve
Although specific details regarding the conference agenda, timeline, and participants are still under discussion, the proposed dialogue is expected to focus on several core objectives:
Bringing Southern Factions Together
The talks aim to unite diverse southern political actors, including those with competing and even opposing visions, under a single negotiation framework.
Addressing Long-Standing Grievances
Discussions are expected to cover political representation, governance, economic marginalisation, and local autonomy.
Developing Sustainable Political Solutions
The goal is to formulate outcomes that are fair, realistic, and capable of long-term implementation, rather than short-term compromises.
Reinforcing National Stability
Saudi Arabia has stressed that any solution must strengthen Yemen’s overall stability and avoid further fragmentation.
Integrating Into a Wider Peace Process
The dialogue would function as part of a broader Yemeni political settlement backed by regional and international partners.
If successful, the conference could help bridge gaps that have long stalled progress on the southern issue.
UAE and Regional Responses
The initiative has received backing from key regional actors, including the United Arab Emirates, which has called for de-escalation and constructive engagement.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged all Yemeni parties to exercise wisdom and restraint, emphasising that dialogue remains the most effective route toward stability and peace. Abu Dhabi’s response is particularly significant given its historical ties with the STC, suggesting support for a diplomatic rather than confrontational approach.
The Arab League also welcomed Saudi Arabia’s offer. Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit stressed that the southern issue must be addressed through negotiations within a comprehensive Yemeni framework and warned against unilateral measures that could lead to further fragmentation.
Additionally, the Muslim World League praised Riyadh’s response, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to peace and regional stability through inclusive political dialogue.
Why the Saudi Initiative Matters Geopolitically
Saudi Arabia’s offer comes at a critical juncture in Yemen’s conflict, which has lasted for more than a decade and involved multiple regional and international actors.
The conflict landscape includes:
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The internationally recognised Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia
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The Houthi movement controlling large parts of northern Yemen
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The STC and allied forces in the south
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Tribal groups and local power brokers with varying allegiances
In recent years, differing approaches to the southern issue have strained coordination among regional allies. By proposing an inclusive dialogue, Riyadh seeks to recalibrate the political process and reduce tensions among aligned actors.
The initiative positions Saudi Arabia as a mediator aiming to foster political consensus rather than relying solely on military leverage.
Competing Visions for Yemen’s Future
At the core of the southern issue lie competing visions for Yemen’s future. The STC’s push for independence draws on historical precedents and reflects frustration with central governance. In contrast, the internationally recognised government argues that Yemen’s unity is essential for long-term stability and economic recovery.
This fundamental disagreement underscores why dialogue is critical. Without a negotiated framework, Yemen risks formal partition or continued internal conflict that could further destabilise the region.
Saudi Arabia’s willingness to host all southern factions, regardless of political stance, reflects an understanding that sustainable peace requires inclusivity and compromise.
Lessons From Previous Agreements
Any new dialogue will inevitably reference past political frameworks, particularly the Riyadh Agreement of 2019, which sought to integrate southern factions into a unified government structure.
Although implementation of the agreement has faced setbacks, it remains an important reference point demonstrating both the challenges and necessity of political compromise in Yemen. Previous efforts highlight that peacebuilding is a long-term process requiring trust, patience, and consistent engagement.
Challenges Ahead
Despite widespread support, the proposed dialogue faces several significant obstacles:
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Deep mistrust between rival factions
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Conflicting end goals, including independence versus unity
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Ongoing humanitarian crises limiting governance capacity
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External influence from regional and international stakeholders
Success will depend on whether participants engage in good faith, acknowledge each other’s concerns, and commit to implementable outcomes rather than symbolic agreements.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s declaration that it is ready to host a comprehensive Yemeni dialogue on the southern issue represents a meaningful diplomatic step in one of the Middle East’s most complex conflicts. By responding to Yemen’s request and calling for inclusive participation, Riyadh is reinforcing the primacy of political solutions over unilateral actions and military escalation.
With backing from the UAE, the Arab League, and other regional bodies, the proposed Riyadh conference could offer a rare opportunity to address one of Yemen’s most divisive challenges within a structured and supported framework.
Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend on the willingness of Yemeni factions to prioritise dialogue over division and to work toward a shared vision that reflects the aspirations of Yemen’s diverse communities while safeguarding the country’s stability and unity.
