What was South Yemen (The People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen)?

Ben Crowley

Nov. 6, 2024

South Yemen, officially known as the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY), existed as a separate state from 1967 until its unification with North Yemen in 1990, and then again for a brief moment in 1994. This territory, primarily located on the southern Arabian Peninsula, was marked by a complex history of colonialism, conflict, and socialist governance. Until 1990, South Yemen was designated a "State sponsor of terrorism" by the United States.

History

The region now known as South Yemen was under British colonial rule from the 19th century until 1967. The British maintained control over strategic ports and trade routes, particularly in Aden, which became a key naval base. The struggle for independence from British colonialism was fuelled by rising nationalist sentiments and the broader wave of decolonization sweeping across Africa and Asia.

Inspired by the wave of Arab nationalism spreading across the Middle East, the National Liberation Front (NLF) was formed in 1963 by left wing intellectuals. Beginning as a protest movement, the NLF quickly became a guerrilla group waging a protracted armed struggle against the British occupation.

In 1967, following civil war, South Yemen achieved independence, becoming the first Arab state to embrace Marxist-Leninist principles. The PDRY was characterized by significant social reforms, including land redistribution and improvements in education and healthcare. However, political infighting and economic challenges plagued the country, leading to a series of conflicts within its leadership.

The PDRY was backed economically by its socialist comrades in East Germany, the USSR, Cuba, North Korea and China. As the fall of communism began in the 1980s, so did the economic lifeline that South Yemen relied on.

Unification

In 1990, the PDRY unified with the Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen), creating the Republic of Yemen. Initially, this unification held promise, as it aimed to combine the political systems and resources of both regions. However, not too surprisingly, tensions soon emerged, particularly over economic disparities and political representation – the old tribal allegiances of the two former countries exacerbated this crisis. These tensions escalated into civil war in 1994, resulting in the defeat of the southern forces and the consolidation of power in the north.

Despite the political and military setbacks, the legacy of South Yemen remains significant in contemporary Yemeni politics. The southern region has retained a distinct cultural and political identity, often leading to calls for greater autonomy or even independence again.

Current situation

Today, the significance of South Yemen is underscored by the ongoing conflict that erupted in 2015, when a Saudi-led coalition intervened against the Houthi movement in the north. The power vacuum and chaos that followed have enabled various factions in the south, including the Southern Transitional Council (STC), to assert their influence and push for a distinct political identity separate from the north.

The struggle for control over southern territories has implications not just for Yemen but also for regional stability. The south is rich in resources, including oil and gas reserves, making it strategically valuable. Moreover, the geopolitical interests of external powers, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, further complicate the situation. These countries have supported various factions in the south, seeking to exert influence and counter Iran’s involvement in the north.

Like many countries that existed for a brief period of time, of which East Germany is the first that comes to mind, South Yemen continues to play an important role in the development of modern Yemen and the Arab peninsula. Another failed socialist utopia leaving behind destruction and chaos in its wake.

If you want to join us in exploring Yemen and its complicated history, why not check out our Yemen Tours !