Aden (South24 Center)

Mass open sit-ins across South Yemen entered the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday (December 10), as demonstrations were held from Aden to Seiyun, Mukalla, Shabwa, and Al-Dhalea, with escalating calls to declare the “restoration of the Southern state” following the recent military developments.

In Aden, thousands continued an open sit-in at Al-Orouth Square in Khormaksar, where participants raised Southern flags and chanted slogans supporting Southern forces. The square has become the central hub for public gatherings after a call issued by the Southern Transitional Council (STC).

 The mass sit-in at Al-Orouth Square in Aden, December 9, 2025 (South24 Center)

On Tuesday (December 9), STC President Aidrous Al-Zubaidi chaired an expanded meeting in Aden that included members of the STC Presidency, the General Secretariat, and the National Assembly.

Al-Zubaidi stated that the South is facing “a decisive and existential phase imposed by current political and military realities,” adding that “the immense sacrifices made by Southerners have brought us to this critical moment.” He stressed that the STC is managing the phase “based on popular mandate,” and called on all Southern actors to unify ranks and reinforce the internal front.

The mass sit-in at Al-Orouth Square in Aden, December 9, 2025 (South24 Center)

He affirmed that the coming stage “will be one of intensive work to build the institutions of the Arab South state on modern foundations that ensure efficiency, transparency, and community participation.” 

#BREAKING
Crowds calling for declaring the “South Arabia” state welcome Al-Zubaidi at Al-Orrood Squarewith chants: “Independence is our demand, STC our representative”#south24pic.twitter.com/b5ficRHCvy

— South24 | English (@South24E) December 9, 2025

Al-Zubaidi added that the envisioned Southern state will be “just and inclusive of all Southerners without exception,” and will seek to “strengthen security, stability, and constructive coexistence with neighboring countries.”

Al-Zubaidi also praised the political, military, and humanitarian support provided by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, describing it as “a strategic partnership based on shared destiny.” He noted that the Arab Coalition has repeatedly affirmed its respect for “the will of the peoples of the region and their future choices.”

 The mass sit-in at Al-Orouth Square in Aden, December 9, 2025 (South24 Center)

Following the meeting, Al-Zubaidi visited the sit-in at Khormaksar, where crowds greeted him with chants of support.

In Seiyun and Mukalla in Hadramout, massive sit-ins continue at open camps backing the Southern forces, which recently took over institutions in Wadi Hadramout following the “Promising Future” operation. Similar gatherings have been reported in Shabwa and Al-Dhalea, where thousands of protesters echoed the same demands.