Yemen Names New Prime Minister in Strategic Government Shuffle

In a surprising move, Yemen’s internationally recognized government has named Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, the nation’s foreign minister, as its new prime minister. Bin Mubarak, who has previously served as Yemen’s ambassador to the US and played a significant role in the Saudi-led coalition’s efforts against the Houthi rebels in 2015, steps into the role previously held by Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed.

Bin Mubarak’s appointment comes in light of his steadfast opposition to the Houthi movement. His experience includes a harrowing episode in 2015 when he was kidnapped by the Houthis and held for several days. Beyond his diplomatic tenure, Bin Mubarak has been instrumental in Yemen’s political landscape, having been the chief of staff of the presidential office and representing Yemen at the United Nations in 2018. His strategic role in the formation of the Saudi-led coalition, aimed at supporting the internationally recognized government after the Houthi seizure of the capital, marks him as a pivotal figure in Yemen’s ongoing struggle for stability.