It remains unclear whether the announcement can be implemented or is largely symbolic. Last month, STC-linked fighters seized control of two southern provinces from Saudi-backed forces and took over the Presidential Palace in Aden, the south's main city.

The STC seeks to restore the state of South Yemen, which existed as an independent nation from 1967 until it unified with North Yemen in 1990. The current conflict in Yemen has its roots in the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, which weakened the central government and allowed various factions, including the Houthis in the north and separatists in the south, to gain ground. The internationally recognized government, backed by Saudi Arabia, has been battling the Houthi rebels, who control much of the north, since 2015.

The announcement of a constitution for an independent south adds another layer of complexity to the already multifaceted conflict. The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who initially supported the internationally recognized government, has deepened as the UAE has increasingly backed the STC. This divergence in interests has further fragmented the anti-Houthi coalition and prolonged the war.

The conflict in Yemen has had devastating consequences for the civilian population, leading to a major humanitarian crisis. The United Nations estimates that hundreds of thousands of people have died as a result of the fighting, disease, and starvation. Millions more have been displaced from their homes.

The international community has repeatedly called for a negotiated settlement to the conflict. However, numerous attempts at mediation have failed to produce a lasting peace agreement. The latest move by the STC could further complicate efforts to find a resolution and potentially reignite a civil war within the larger conflict, widening tensions in the Gulf region. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this announcement leads to further escalation or opens a new path for negotiations.