Sokotra Island Leaders Reject Calls for Autonomy and Division

Leaders and elders of Sokotra Island have strongly rejected initiatives promoting division and calls for "self-rule" supported by a UAE-backed entity. This was declared in a statement issued after their meeting on Wednesday.

The elders urged the Presidential Council and the government to fulfill their legal and constitutional responsibilities in serving the people of the archipelago. In their statement, they emphasized unity and solidarity, stressing the importance of preserving the social fabric, rejecting division, and maintaining the sovereignty of the governorate for a secure future for its residents.

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The Sokotra elders denounced the reckless calls made under the banner of "the National Council" or "self-rule," asserting that the future of Sokotra belongs to all its people and that any attempt to undermine this principle is entirely unacceptable.

Additionally, they viewed the governor's decision to establish a "Council of Wise Men" as an attempt to abolish the traditional role of the elders. They reaffirmed their rejection of the proposed structure, as expressed in their statement dated November 18, 2024.

The elders concluded their statement by urging the Presidential Council and the government to improve living conditions amidst the dire economic challenges faced by the residents of the archipelago. Last week, a new entity named "The National Council for the People of Sokotra" was announced, calling for "self-rule," which sparked widespread criticism in the local community.