An agreement is on the verge of unfolding between Hadi's government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to end the armed violence in southern Yemen. Talks between the contested parties have been ongoing for a month and are sponsored by Saudi Arabia in the city of Jeddah.[1] Updates occurred following the reported departure of UAE (STC's main ally) and Sudanese forces from the port city of Adan and the al-Anad military air base on the 8th of October 2019.[2] According to the STC’s Belt Security Forces, the agreement is expected to be signed in the upcoming days.[3]
Earlier in August 2019, upheavals spread in in the port city of Aden as Hadi's government and the STC engaged in armed confrontations. The STC, which calls for the secession of south Yemen, launched a series of attacks against military posts held by the government. The attacks resulted in high casualties and the STC's takeover Aden, which serves as the country's interim capital.[4] Since then, the government appears determinant to reimpose its control over the area as Yemen's vice-Prime Minister Ahmed al-Maisari stated “We will return to Aden whether through peace or war.”[5]
The present talks intend to peacefully settle the situation in Aden. According to reports, Aden would fall under Saudi Arabia's control for a temporary period that is not yet defined.[6] The deployed Saudi troops would monitor the formation of a neutral security force that would later operate in the city.[7] Furthermore, a power-sharing deal that would allow the STC's participation in Hadi's government is suggested by Saudi Arabia in the peace talks.[8]