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Yemen Forms New Government Amidst Gulf Tensions
Yemen’s Presidential leadership Council (PLC) has appointed Shaya Mohsen Zindani as Prime Minister and tasked him with forming a new government, according to a presidential decree issued on february 6, 2026. Zindani will continue to serve as the country’s Foreign Minister Reuters.
Cabinet Appointments
The new 34-member cabinet, announced on Friday, includes 10 ministers from the previous government and features three women in ministerial positions Reuters. Key appointments include:
- Prime Minister & Foreign Minister: Shaya Mohsen Zindani
- Minister of Finance: Marwan Faraj bin Ghanim
- Minister of Oil: Mohamed Abdullah Ali
- Minister of Defense: Taher Ali al-Uqaili
Political Context and Regional Tensions
The formation of the new government occurs against a backdrop of ongoing political instability and tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding Yemen. These tensions stem from differing approaches to the ongoing Yemeni Civil War and the influence of various factions within the country.
Southern Separatist Concerns
In December 2025,the Southern Transitional Council (STC),a main southern Yemeni separatist group reportedly backed by the UAE,gained control of areas in southern and eastern Yemen,advancing towards the Saudi border Al Jazeera. This move was perceived as a threat to Saudi Arabia’s national security. Saudi-