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Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) has appointed Salem Saleh Bin Braik, the country’s long-serving Finance Minister, as its new Prime Minister, following the abrupt resignation of Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak.
The development, confirmed on Saturday by state-run Saba news agency, marks a notable reshuffle within the embattled Yemeni administration amid worsening economic and governance challenges.
A Swift Transition Of Power
Bin Mubarak tendered his resignation on Saturday, citing ‘constitutional constraints’ and the inability to implement much-needed reforms during his short tenure.
He stated that he faced numerous hurdles, including a lack of authority to restructure the cabinet and enact institutional reforms.
His resignation was quickly followed by the appointment of Bin Braik, who has held the finance portfolio since 2019 and previously served as Vice Finance Minister.
Retaining Stability In Government
According to the official decree issued by the PLC, all current ministers will retain their roles.
Bin Mubarak, meanwhile, will serve as an advisor to the President of the PLC.
The decree also affirms that the existing government will continue to function as per earlier appointments.
Challenging Tenure For Bin Mubarak
Bin Mubarak assumed the Prime Minister’s post in February 2024, after a diplomatic career that included roles as Yemen’s Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the United States.
However, systemic challenges and limited executive power thwarted his efforts to revitalise the government.
In his statement, he cited being ‘denied the ability to exercise constitutional powers’ as a key reason for stepping down.
A Nation In Crisis
The leadership change comes against the backdrop of one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises.
Yemen’s economy is in free fall, with the national currency, the Yemeni rial, facing record depreciation.
The government has struggled to pay salaries and maintain services due to a severe financial shortfall, largely driven by the suspension of oil exports since October 2022.
Houthi drone attacks on oil facilities halted the exports.
The Iran-backed group has since demanded a revenue-sharing agreement to resume exports, a condition that remains unresolved.
Conflict & Governance Challenges
Since 2014, Yemen has been embroiled in civil war following the Houthi takeover of the capital, Sanaa.
The internationally recognised government, now operating from the southern city of Aden, continues to face immense pressure both from internal dysfunction and the ongoing conflict with Houthi forces.
As Prime Minister, Salem Bin Braik will face the urgent task of stabilising Yemen’s battered economy, managing ongoing conflict, and navigating the complex web of political and regional dynamics that define the country’s crisis.
His administrative and financial background may lend credibility in addressing fiscal issues, though meaningful progress will require broader political consensus and international support.
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