Barran Press
On November 13, 2025, the office of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen reported a meeting with members of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) held the previous Wednesday. The discussion focused on enhancing the sustainable peace process, the necessity of a joint negotiating team, and addressing Yemen's interconnected political, economic, and security challenges.
The STC emphasized the urgent need to tackle the deteriorating economic situation, highlighting the resumption of oil and gas exports as critical for stabilizing the country and bolstering the national budget. They underscored the impact of currency depreciation and called for immediate monetary measures to ensure economic stability.
Additionally, the council stressed the importance of establishing a specific negotiating framework for the southern issue, considering it essential for any political resolution. They asserted that comprehensive and sustainable peace requires a solution that meets the aspirations of the southern population, advocating for a transitional phase that reflects this context in decision-making processes.
As of now, the Southern Transitional Council has not issued any comments regarding the meeting.
Recently, the UN envoy has been holding separate meetings with Yemeni parties to resume negotiations to end the war and establish peace in the country. In a previous announcement on December 23, the UN revealed that Yemeni parties had agreed to commit to a series of measures, including a comprehensive ceasefire and steps to improve living conditions in Yemen, while preparing for a national political process under UN auspices.
However, peace efforts have stalled due to attacks by the Houthi group, which is internationally classified as a terrorist organization, against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf since November.
On August 13, 2024, Council member Othman Majali stated in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that "peace efforts have been halted by the Houthis, with proposals remaining only on paper," adding that "the Houthis continue violations, smuggling equipment for military purposes, and creating one-sided battles across various fronts."
Regarding the position of the internationally recognized Yemeni government, Majali noted that it "is wisely managing the situation, clearly considering the plight of the Yemeni people, who have suffered from the Houthi coup and its resulting devastation of infrastructure, the economy, and currency collapse."