Yemen Monitor / Newsroom:
Yemen’s new government, led by Prime Minister Salem bin Buraik, assumes office under extraordinary circumstances, facing severe economic and security challenges. According to an assessment by the Mokha Center for Studies (a Yemeni research center), chances of success remain slim amid deep political divisions and dwindling financial resources.
Bin Buraik was appointed to succeed Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, who resigned after months of conflict with the Presidential Leadership Council. The infighting had left the government paralyzed and unable to fulfill its core responsibilities.
Observers warn that the new government may face the same fate as its predecessor if it is not granted sufficient authority by the Presidential Leadership Council or fails to address urgent economic issues—particularly the electricity crisis and currency collapse.
The research center highlights several major challenges confronting the new prime minister, starting with:
Economic Collapse
The Yemeni rial has lost over 72% of its value over the past five years, amid a severe budget deficit that has left the government unable to regularly pay public sector salaries.
Electricity Crisis
The temporary capital, Aden, continues to suffer from long hours of daily blackouts. Despite the government spending nearly $600 million annually on fuel for power plants, service delivery remains dismal. Former Prime Minister bin Mubarak took bold steps to reform procurement contracts, but these efforts did not yield significant improvements.
Political Division
The government faces major obstacles in dealing with the Southern Transitional Council (STC), which holds military and security control over Aden. It also struggles with interference from members of the eight-member Presidential Leadership Council. Former Prime Minister bin Mubarak cited such interference—especially from Council President Rashad al-Alimi—as a key factor in his inability to govern effectively.
The “STC” Factor
The relationship with the STC is expected to be one of Bin Buraik’s toughest challenges. Although the STC is a formal partner in both the government and the leadership council, it frequently acts in opposition to government policies. It controls armed formations, seizes revenue sources in Aden and elsewhere, and pushes a separatist agenda, often under the guise of official roles. Balancing containment of the STC without enabling its influence will be a delicate task for Bin Buraik.
The Liberation Battle
The center’s report states that Bin Buraik’s appointment comes amid public anticipation for a military campaign to restore state institutions and end the Houthi-led coup, fueled by favorable regional and international developments. Many Yemenis expressed frustration over the political wrangling between President Al-Alimi and former Prime Minister bin Mubarak, seeing it as a distraction from the national priority of restoring the state.
The center adds that Bin Buraik must send a clear message of his commitment to this national objective. While his efforts may focus on stabilizing the economy, supporting the national currency, and ensuring liquidity, they should ultimately serve the larger goal of restoring legitimate state authority.
Conclusion
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the study concludes that the new government might achieve progress if it can:
- Secure increased financial and military support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE
- Resume halted oil exports
- Implement financial and administrative reforms to curb widespread corruption
But the central question remains: Does the new prime minister possess the political will and necessary resources to tackle these complex challenges?
Only time will tell.
