Hope and scepticism as Yemen’s Saudi-backed gov’t announces a new cabinet

Al JazeeraEN 7 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 8, 2026 at 11:43 AM

AI Summary

long article 7 min

Yemen's Saudi-backed government, the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), announced a new 35-member cabinet on Friday after consultations in Riyadh. The move aims to govern the divided nation following the collapse of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and withdrawal of UAE forces from southern Yemen. The new cabinet includes members from diverse political and regional backgrounds. Prime Minister Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani stated the government's focus will be on improving living conditions and services. Reactions to the announcement are mixed, with some viewing it as a positive step towards establishing government authority, while others see it as a redistribution of power among elites. The large size of the cabinet has also raised concerns about the burden on the national budget.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Aden 30% Riyadh ×240% Yaseen Al-Tamimi 40% Southern Transitional Council (STC) 50% United Arab Emirates 50% Sanaa ×250% Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) 60% Houthi 60% Shaya Mohsen al-Zindani 60% Saudi Arabia ×270% Yemen ×690%

Keywords

yemen 100% new cabinet 90% saudi-backed government 80% political divisions 70% houthi control 60% power redistribution 50% southern transitional council 50% riyadh consultations 40% prime minister 40%