Saudi-backed Yemen government appoints new prime minister official

Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Appoints New Prime Minister

The presidential leadership council in Yemen has accepted the resignation of current Prime Minister Salem bin Breik and appointed Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsin al-Zindani as the country’s new prime minister, according to a report by the state news agency Saba. Bin Breik formally submitted his resignation, which was approved by the council, before Zindani was named to form the next cabinet.

The move comes amid heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, with the two countries having previously worked together in a coalition battling the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen’s civil war. However, sharp differences over various issues have led to friction between the two Gulf powers.

In a separate development, the presidential leadership council has dismissed a southern separatist currently in the UAE, consolidating Saudi Arabia’s control over Yemen’s decision-making body. The council cited a series of reasons for the dismissal, including support for the Southern Transitional Council and statements made by the individual.

The move follows the recent departure of STC leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who was accused of “high treason” and fled to the UAE. Two new members have been appointed to replace Zubaidi and another dismissed separatist: Lieutenant General Mahmoud al-Subaihi and Salem al-Khanbashi.

Saudi Arabia has also pledged $0.5 billion in humanitarian projects and $90 million to pay for two months’ worth of salaries for public servants and servicemen, according to the Yemeni prime minister.

Source: Al Jazeera