The South demands Independence

[محمد سعيد بن مخاشن]

South Yemen demands Independence


by Mirfat Sulaimen in Aden

Hundreds of thousands of people protested in the port city of Aden in South Yemen on Monday of last week to demand independence for South Yemen. x

The demonstrations were also called to show opposition to the “national dialogue” talks launched the same day. x

The national dialogue is part of a Western brokered treaty that has stalled the Yemeni revolution. x

Abdullah, a protester, said, “The ‘national dialogue’ does not mean anything for us in the South. Our will is stronger than their lies.” Protesters carried placards reading, “ No Dialogue under Occupation !” x

Resistance has been building in Aden and the South following a brutal crackdown by president Mansur Hadi last month. x

Dozens of protesters were killed and hundreds wounded as Hadi staged a “unity celebration” to mark one year since his election victory. x

The protests are called “The decision is ours,” to show the world the majority in South maintain the demand for national self-determination. x

Young people are the engine of the revolution,” said Aden student activist S Baabad. x

We honour protesters who have been killed. Five people were killed by the army on 15 March. x

We march to the prison and demand the release of activists, which does help to free people. x

In the run-up to the national dialogue, activists flooded into Aden from around the South. The streets filled at night with sleeping people. x

منقول من Socialist Worker
Issue: 2346 dated: 30 March 2013 International