The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has called on the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to ensure that Aden remains a safe and welcoming environment for civil society and cultural and social activities, urging them to refrain from obstructing the legitimate activities of Yemeni civil society and international organizations registered and licensed by the Yemeni government.

This call came in a joint statement issued by the American institute and the Preparatory Committee for the National Youth Conference, responding to the STC's prevention of an introductory meeting for the conference in Aden last week. The meeting was supported by the NDI and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The statement noted that the conference had been held in Marib, Hadhramaut, and Taiz, but failed to take place in Aden. The institute clarified that the preparations for the conference were "completely independent of any political agendas or entities, and the procedures followed in organizing such events were adhered to by communicating with the Ministry of Planning and the relevant authorities."

The statement explained that the event had invited "participants, including heads of youth organizations, civil society activists, guests from various government institutions, international organizations operating in Yemen, and the UN envoy's office in Aden."

The NDI and the Preparatory Committee for the Conference stated in the statement: "On the morning of the event (August 15th), it was canceled at the request of a security official (affiliated with the STC) and participants were prevented from entering." They expressed "deep concern about the arbitrary measures in Aden that hinder the efforts of civil society, political parties, and international organizations."

On August 14th, the STC announced its "categorical rejection" of any political activity or event within "the land of the south," referring to the activities of the internationally recognized Yemeni government in Aden, declared the temporary capital of the country.

This statement was made during the regular meeting of the National Assembly of the STC, held in Aden under the chairmanship of Ali Al-Katiri, the head of the National Assembly and acting president of the STC.

According to the STC's official website, the meeting addressed "political developments in the southern arena" and reaffirmed its "categorical rejection of any activity or political event organized by political parties hostile to the cause of the southern people."