Yemen Appoints New Prime Minister Amid Rising Tensions

The **Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council** in Yemen has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister **Salem bin Breik** and appointed Foreign Minister **Shaya Mohsin al-Zindani** as his successor. The resignation was formally submitted by bin Breik and subsequently approved by the council, paving the way for Zindani to form the new cabinet, as reported by the state news agency **Saba** on March 15, 2024.

Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the **United Arab Emirates (UAE)** have escalated in recent months, particularly concerning the actions of the **Southern Transitional Council (STC)**. This main southern separatist group, regarded by Saudi Arabia as supported by the UAE, gained control over significant territories in southern and eastern Yemen, advancing closer to the Saudi border. This development has raised security concerns for the kingdom, which views such movements as a direct threat. Saudi-backed fighters have since largely regained control over these areas.

The geopolitical landscape in Yemen has become increasingly complicated. Sharp differences between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over various issues, including oil output, have fueled friction. The two Gulf powers previously collaborated in a coalition against the **Iran-backed Houthis** in Yemen’s ongoing civil war, which has contributed to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

On the same day that Zindani was appointed, Yemen’s eight-member presidential body dismissed **Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani**, a member of the STC currently receiving treatment in the UAE. The official resolution stated, “It was decided to terminate the membership of Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani in the Presidential Leadership Council.” Al-Bahsani, who served as vice president of the STC and was the governor of the oil-rich **Hadramout** province, faced dismissal due to his support for the STC’s actions and statements made in recent interviews.

Earlier this month, STC leader **Aidarous al-Zubaidi** was also dismissed and fled to the UAE after being accused of “high treason.” His departure further complicates the STC’s position within the broader political framework in Yemen. In an interview with the **AFP** news agency, Al-Bahsani emphasized that southern forces, including separatists, would resist unification under the command of a Saudi-led coalition, urging Saudi Arabia to allow negotiations to occur outside its borders.

The STC has expressed concerns about the pressure exerted on its members during discussions held in **Riyadh**. Notably, a high-level separatist delegation announced it had dissolved the group while in the Saudi capital, claiming the decision was made under duress. The STC accused Saudi Arabia of detaining its representatives during these talks.

In an effort to consolidate control, the Presidential Leadership Council appointed two pro-Saudi figures to replace Al-Zubaidi and Al-Bahsani. **Lieutenant General Mahmoud al-Subaihi**, a former defense minister and security advisor to council chairman **Rashad al-Alimi**, and **Salem al-Khanbashi**, the governor of Hadramout, were named to the new positions.

In a show of support, Saudi Arabia provided Yemen with **$90 million** to cover two months of salaries for public servants and servicemen. This announcement came one day after Saudi Arabia pledged **$500 million** for humanitarian projects in the war-torn country. As Yemen grapples with political instability and humanitarian challenges, the appointment of a new prime minister and the recent financial commitment from Saudi Arabia may signal a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict.