The Cabinet discusses economic, financial, and service developments, along with coordinated efforts to thwart Houthi militia plans.

Cabinet Discusses Economic and Service Developments in Yemen

In a regular meeting held on Wednesday in the temporary capital of Aden, Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Brek led discussions on the current economic, financial, and service conditions in Yemen. The meeting primarily focused on the depreciation of the national currency and its direct impact on the prices of essential goods and the living conditions of citizens. Additionally, the council addressed ongoing service challenges and efforts to resolve electricity issues.

Coordinated Government Efforts Against Houthi Threats

The council reviewed coordinated government efforts with the Presidential Leadership Council to thwart the plans of the Houthi terrorist militia. They emphasized the importance of supporting the defense and security institutions in their fight to restore state authority and end the coup. Urgent measures to stabilize the national currency and regulate the banking market were also discussed. The government plans to enhance coordination with the Central Bank of Yemen to strengthen oversight of financial transactions and curb speculation. This includes taking decisive action against non-compliant exchange companies and shops to restore balance in the foreign currency market.

Updates on Political and Security Situations

At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister bin Brek briefed council members on the latest developments across various political, economic, service, military, and security levels. He highlighted the national and regional implications of renewed Houthi terrorist attacks on international shipping, which recently resulted in the sinking of commercial vessels and the deaths of innocent sailors from various nationalities. He also shared insights from his meetings with the head of the European Union mission and several ambassadors, noting their strong support for the Yemeni government and its reform plans aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people.

Government’s Response to Houthi Classification as a Terrorist Organization

The Prime Minister directed all ministries and government agencies to update and enhance their plans in response to the reclassification of the Houthi group as a foreign terrorist organization. He stressed the importance of intensifying efforts and responsibly addressing emerging changes while focusing on stabilizing the economic and service sectors. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving essential services despite limited resources and declining external support. He emphasized the need for strict oversight of resources and prioritizing spending that directly impacts citizens’ lives.

Addressing Economic Warfare by Houthi Militias

The Cabinet reviewed government measures and proposals to be presented to the Crisis Management Committee in its upcoming meeting, chaired by President Rashad Al-Alimi. These proposals address the systematic economic warfare waged by the Houthi militia against the Yemeni people, which aims to destroy remaining opportunities for financial unity by issuing new currencies outside the Central Bank’s framework. The council declared that any financial or monetary actions taken by the Houthi militia are null and void and warned citizens and financial institutions against dealing with these counterfeit currencies. Such actions undermine previously reached agreements aimed at preventing further collapse of the financial and banking sectors. The Houthi militia bears full responsibility for the economic and humanitarian consequences that arise from this escalatory behavior.

Urgent Need for International Support

The Cabinet reiterated that the government is doing everything possible to confront economic and service challenges. However, it urgently needs financial and economic support from the international community and Yemen’s partners, particularly the Saudi-led coalition, to establish stability and prevent a total collapse that the Houthi militia seeks through its systematic economic warfare. The government remains committed to pursuing economic, financial, administrative, and institutional reforms while implementing an economic recovery plan despite ongoing pressures and intertwined challenges.

Approval of Gas Production Project

The Cabinet approved the final agreement and its annexes regarding the licensing of a project to finance, construct, and operate a household gas production unit under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) system, including sufficient storage tanks in the Al-Masila region of Hadramout. This decision came based on a proposal from the Minister of Oil and Minerals, with a commitment to incorporate feedback from council members.

Security and Military Performance Report

The Cabinet also received a report from the Ministers of Defense and Interior regarding security and military performance, efforts to enhance security and stability, and achievements in combating terrorism. This includes the apprehension of several cells linked to the Houthi militia and associated terrorist organizations, as well as thwarting their destructive plans. Updates on the battlefield situation against the Houthi militia were also discussed.

Political Situation Update

Finally, the Cabinet listened to a briefing from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates regarding the latest developments in the political landscape.

The discussions reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Yemen while seeking international support to stabilize the country.

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