Yemeni PM steps down amid political tensions

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak submitted his resignation to the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) on Saturday, with Finance Minister Salem Saleh Bin Braik appointed as his successor.

In his official resignation statement, bin Mubarak revealed he had faced "lots of difficulties," including being unable to reshuffle the government and exercise his constitutional powers to implement necessary institutional reforms.

The prime minister's resignation came as Yemen continues to face multiple challenges, including ongoing conflict with Houthi forces and economic instability.

Prior to his resignation, 18 cabinet ministers signed a memorandum in April calling for his removal, highlighting severe fractures within the internationally-recognized government.

Bin Mubarak has held the premiership since Feb 5, 2024. Prior to his appointment as prime minister, bin Mubarak served in several high-profile positions, including foreign minister and ambassador to the United States.

Just hours after bin Mubarak stepped down, Yemen's state-run Saba news agency reported the decision by the PLC to appoint Salem Saleh Bin Braik as the new prime minister.

Bin Braik, who has served as the finance minister since 2019 and vice finance minister prior to that, has held several key financial and administrative roles throughout his career.

Many Yemenis said the change of prime minister is little more than a symbolic move, as the deeper issues remain unresolved, leaving them disillusioned with the government.

"Changing faces is not the right or real solution to overcoming the current economic situation since the situation is entirely dependent on the two parties controlling the ground in Aden, whether the Emiratis or the Saudis, in an indirect manner. So changing faces does not mean changing the economic situation," said Ahmed Al-Shalifi, an economist.

"As for the change in the government and the prime minister, it no longer concerns or benefits us because we've lost trust in the government. We've lost trust in the leaders who control the country, especially in terms of the economy. Changing the prime minister is just a cosmetic change," said Abdulwahid Abdulrab, a local resident.

"Currently, the situation has deteriorated greatly. There is no currency, no presidential or government authority, and the people are not benefiting from them at all. There's no progress, only deterioration. It's just a change of positions. There's no benefit for the people," said Mahmoud Al-Jaradi, another resident.

In recent days, there have been widespread protests in Aden and other government-controlled areas, with demonstrators voicing frustrations over the collapse of basic services, including electricity shortages, and the ongoing economic decline that has left millions struggling to meet their basic needs.

Yemen has been embroiled in civil conflict since 2014 when Houthi forces seized the capital Sanaa, forcing the internationally-recognized government to relocate operations to Aden.

Yemeni PM steps down amid political tensions

Yemeni PM steps down amid political tensions

Yemeni PM steps down amid political tensions

Yemeni PM steps down amid political tensions

Yemeni PM steps down amid political tensions

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.

During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.

China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.

Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.

China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.

On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.

Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.

Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation