Saudi Arabia’s invitation for southern Yemeni factions to gather in Riyadh for dialogue has drawn strong backing from Arab and Muslim capitals, signaling fresh momentum for a political track many hope can ease long-running tensions in Yemen’s south.
The move comes at a sensitive moment, with regional players eager to prevent further fragmentation and steer disputes back to the table.
Riyadh Steps In at the Request of Yemen’s Leadership
The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed that the proposed conference in Riyadh was requested by Rashad Al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council.
In its statement, the Kingdom urged all southern factions to take part, stressing the need to “develop a comprehensive vision” capable of meeting the aspirations of southern Yemenis.
Saudi officials framed the initiative as facilitative rather than directive. The goal, they said, is to provide a neutral setting where differences can be aired without weapons or ultimatums.
For Riyadh, the timing matters. The Kingdom has invested heavily in de-escalation efforts across Yemen and sees dialogue as the only workable route left.
Arab League Welcomes the Initiative
Support from the Arab League came quickly.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit praised Al-Alimi’s call for a broad-based conference and thanked Saudi Arabia for responding swiftly and offering to host and sponsor the talks.
Aboul Gheit described the southern issue as one with “well-known historical dimensions,” saying it carries legitimate grievances that can only be addressed through negotiation.
He warned that attempts to impose outcomes by force or unilateral action harm the southern cause rather than help it.
In his words, such moves expose Yemen to deeper divisions at a time when unity, however difficult, remains essential.
Why the Southern Issue Refuses to Fade
Southern Yemen’s political question has lingered for decades.
It predates the current war and is rooted in history, identity, and uneven development following Yemeni unification.
Many in the south argue that promises made over the years were never fully honored. Others fear that fragmentation would weaken the country beyond repair.
Aboul Gheit stressed that these competing views must be handled within a comprehensive Yemeni framework, not through faits accomplis on the ground.
That message resonated with several Arab diplomats, who see dialogue as a pressure valve rather than a cure-all.
Saudi Arabia’s Role as Host and Broker
Saudi Arabia’s decision to host the talks reflects its broader diplomatic posture in Yemen.
The Kingdom has increasingly positioned itself as a convener, bringing together factions that rarely sit in the same room.
Officials say Riyadh offers:
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Security guarantees for participants
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Political cover for difficult compromises
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Regional backing to legitimize outcomes
While success is far from guaranteed, Saudi diplomats argue that not talking is worse.
They point to past rounds of dialogue that stalled, saying lessons have been learned about inclusivity and preparation.
Regional and Muslim World Signals of Support
Beyond the Arab League, diplomats from several Muslim-majority countries privately welcomed the Saudi initiative.
They see it as aligned with wider efforts to calm flashpoints across the region, from Yemen to Sudan and beyond.
The backing is not just symbolic. Regional consensus can help deter spoilers and encourage factions to attend rather than boycott.
One Arab official summed it up quietly: “No one wins if Yemen’s south breaks further.”
What the Talks Aim to Achieve
The conference is expected to focus on political arrangements, representation, and future governance models for southern Yemen.
While details remain fluid, participants are likely to debate decentralization, power-sharing, and guarantees for local interests.
Here is a simple snapshot of what is being discussed:
| Issue | Focus |
|---|---|
| Representation | Inclusion of all major southern factions |
| Governance | Models within a unified Yemeni state |
| Grievances | Addressing historical and economic concerns |
| Process | Political dialogue, not armed pressure |
Saudi officials have emphasized that outcomes will depend on Yemeni consensus, not external dictates.
A Fragile Opportunity, Not a Breakthrough Yet
For now, expectations are being managed carefully.
No one involved is calling this a breakthrough. It is an opening, nothing more.
Yet after years of stalled initiatives and shifting battle lines, even an opening matters.
As Aboul Gheit noted, the southern issue cannot be wished away or settled by force. It has to be discussed, argued over, and slowly shaped into something workable.
Riyadh is offering the table. Whether all parties sit down remains the open question.
