Saudi Arabia Urges Yemeni Factions to Riyadh Dialogue as Tensions Rise in South

 Saudi Arabia has called on southern Yemeni factions to attend a comprehensive dialogue in Riyadh, aimed at discussing “just solutions” to the southern Yemen issue as the war-torn country faces increasing divisions and renewed fighting. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry released a statement urging all southern parties to participate actively in the talks to develop an inclusive and sustainable political framework. 

The invitation comes after a surprise move by the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) — which has seized territory in Hadramaut and Al-Mahra provinces — announced plans for a two-year transition and eventual referendum on independence for southern Yemen. Saudi authorities view these developments as a threat to regional security and Yemeni unity, and have called for a political rather than military path forward. 

For years, Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating civil conflict involving rival factions, including the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in the north and various government and separatist forces in the south. While the Saudi-led coalition originally intervened alongside the internationally recognized Yemeni government, fractures have emerged between Riyadh and other coalition partners, notably the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

The STC’s recent territorial gains and independence ambitions have intensified internal divisions. Saudi Arabia, responding to a request by Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head Rashad al-Alimi, hopes that dialogue in Riyadh can provide a platform to reconcile rival interests and promote a broader political solution that respects the aspirations of the southern population while maintaining Yemen’s national unity. 

Saudi Position and Diplomatic Push

In its statement, Riyadh reaffirmed that the southern issue has historical and socio-political dimensions and must be addressed through inclusive dialogue within the framework of a comprehensive political settlement. Saudi officials have emphasised that the talks are not only a response to internal Yemeni dynamics but also critical to regional stability given Yemen’s strategic location and prolonged humanitarian crisis. 

The conference is expected to bring together multiple southern factions, civil representatives, and stakeholders to build consensus on governance, de-escalation of conflict, and broader political restructuring. Riyadh’s call underscores its continued diplomatic engagement in the Yemen crisis, even as military tensions and rival external influences complicate the path to peace. 

Despite this diplomatic initiative, significant challenges remain. The STC’s insistence on a transitional path toward independence has deepened political fragmentation, while longstanding hostility between major Yemeni factions — as well as competing interests among Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other regional powers — complicates efforts to forge unity. 

Whether the Riyadh dialogue will succeed in bringing all sides to the table, especially in such a fractured environment, remains uncertain. However, Saudi Arabia’s push for talks emphasizes a continued shift toward political settlement over prolonged military engagement in efforts to stabilize Yemen.