Yemen Names Shaya Zindani as Prime Minister After Breik Resignation

Yemen’s internationally recognised government has witnessed a leadership change after Prime Minister Salem bin Breik submitted his resignation. The Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) accepted the move and appointed Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen Zindani as the new prime minister, tasking him with forming a fresh cabinet at a politically sensitive moment for the war-torn country.

Leadership Transition Approved by Presidential Council

Salem bin Breik formally tendered his resignation on Thursday, which was swiftly accepted by the PLC. Following this, Shaya Mohsen Zindani was named to succeed him, with official confirmation issued through Yemen’s state news agency. The council directed Zindani to begin consultations to form a new cabinet in line with existing governance arrangements under the internationally recognised administration.

Timing Amid Saudi–UAE Strains

The leadership change comes amid heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over influence and security developments in Yemen. In December, the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council expanded its control over large parts of southern and eastern Yemen, moving close to the Saudi border. Riyadh viewed these advances as a direct security concern, prompting Saudi-backed forces to regain significant territory.

Coalition Politics and Internal Pressures

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have historically cooperated within the military coalition fighting the Iran-backed Houthi movement. However, their relationship has been strained by wider disagreements over regional geopolitics and oil production policy. These divisions have complicated Yemen’s political landscape, creating overlapping power centres and weakening cohesion within the anti-Houthi camp.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Yemen is governed by a Presidential Leadership Council formed in 2022.
• The Southern Transitional Council seeks autonomy or independence for southern Yemen.
• The Houthi movement is backed by Iran and controls large northern areas.
• The Yemen conflict is considered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Challenges Before the New Prime Minister

As prime minister, Shaya Mohsen Zindani faces the immediate challenge of forming a workable cabinet while managing internal divisions and coalition dynamics. Yemen continues to grapple with economic collapse, food insecurity, and fragile ceasefire arrangements. The leadership transition underlines the ongoing instability within the country’s political system as efforts continue to stabilise governance amid a prolonged civil war.