Aden Commemorates the Fourth Anniversary of the Passing of Southern Leader Amin Saleh: A Symbol of Wisdom, Struggle, and National Unity

This Saturday morning, the capital city of Aden hosted a ceremony marking the fourth anniversary of the passing of the prominent southern thinker and revolutionary Amin Saleh Mohammed—one of the key founders of the Southern Movement and the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The event was held under the slogan: “Let this anniversary be a new beginning to uphold the principles of reconciliation and tolerance and strengthen genuine national partnership.”

The ceremony, graciously sponsored by the family of the late leader, opened with verses from the Holy Quran and the Southern national anthem. Mr. Ali Al-Kathiri, member of the STC Presidential Council, delivered the keynote speech in which he warmly greeted the family of the deceased and praised Amin Saleh’s pivotal role as one of the chief architects of the southern revolution and a veteran leader who contributed significantly—through his thought and activism—to the southern liberation movement.

Al-Kathiri affirmed that the late Amin Saleh was a foundational figure in the conceptualization and political formation of the STC. He was known for his wisdom, composure, and commitment to the values of dialogue, unity, and national cohesion—seen as essential pillars on the path toward southern independence and identity.

“The loss of such an inspiring leader,” Al-Kathiri said, “came at a time when we are still in dire need of his vision, values, and political legacy. Today, in the face of growing challenges, we must recall the legacies of our revolutionaries—foremost among them, Amin Saleh—to confront attempts to undermine the will of the southern people and weaken their cause.”

Mr. Dia Al-Mahwariq, speaking on behalf of the organizing committee, stated: “No words can fully capture the legacy of the late Amin Saleh, a symbol of steadfastness and the struggle for rights and independence. We did our utmost, despite limited resources, to ensure that this commemoration rose to the stature of the man we honor.”

Mustafa Amin Saleh, son of the late leader, also addressed the gathering. He thanked all those who contributed to the success of the event and reaffirmed the family’s commitment to continuing along the path his father had paved. He prayed for mercy upon his father and all southern martyrs.

“We are going through a critical phase in the history of the South,” he added, “and the STC must be seriously prepared to responsibly lead the political struggle with our brothers in the North. Special attention must also be paid to the provinces of Hadramawt, Al-Mahrah, and Shabwah, through the selection of sincere and effective revolutionary figures.”
(To read the full family statement, visit:

The ceremony concluded with a documentary film highlighting major milestones in the life of the late leader—from his birth to his passing—including his activism since 1994 and his contributions to the southern independence project. The film also featured recorded testimonies from public figures who witnessed his journey.

The event was attended by several members of the STC Presidential Council, heads of affiliated bodies, members of the National Assembly, officials from the government and local authorities, as well as a large crowd of citizens and admirers of the late leader.

It is worth noting that Amin Saleh Mohammed is regarded as one of the most prominent national southern figures. He was instrumental in igniting the spark of the southern revolution and founded the first organized opposition to Yemeni occupation in 1997 through the “Popular Solidarity Committees.” He also co-founded the Supreme Council of the Peaceful Movement and played a leading role in the establishment of the STC in 2017, helping to shape its vision and objectives. He was known for his unwavering dedication to the southern cause, serving it with integrity and without seeking position or personal gain.