Yemen Takes Measures to Confront Possible Coronavirus Repercussions

Yemen Takes Measures to Confront Possible Coronavirus Repercussions
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Yemen Takes Measures to Confront Possible Coronavirus Repercussions

Yemen Takes Measures to Confront Possible Coronavirus Repercussions

The internationally recognized government has taken several economic measures to counter the repercussions of the new coronavirus outbreak, official Yemeni sources said.

Among these measures was the extension of the closure of land, air and sea ports, they said.

Shipments of medicines and food, however, are still being allowed into the country.

Sources at the Supreme Economic Council said that the body, during its extraordinary session headed by Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed on Tuesday, discussed economic and financial developments amid current challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic.

The Council, according to the Saba News Agency, discussed possible coronavirus repercussions on the national economy. It also tackled mechanisms that could alleviate the effect of any economic downfall on citizens.

The Council reviewed the pricing and stocks of basic food staples.

It, according to official sources, directed the Yemeni Ministry of Industry and Trade to swiftly conclude the food inventory survey and identify any existing gap.

The Council also pointed to the private sector as a primary partner for the government in facing the global economic consequences caused by the coronavirus and its potential impacts on the local economy.

Saeed reaffirmed that his government will not fail in supporting the private sector as an effective partner in securing the needs of citizens.

Saeed also chaired a meeting for Yemen’s Supreme National Emergency Committee, which approved a string of precautionary measures for containing the coronavirus. The measures included extending the closure of land, sea and air ports for a period of two weeks starting April 1.

The Committee was briefed by Deputy Prime Minister Salem al-Khanshabi and Health Minister Nasser Baoum on measures undertaken by the government to protect Yemenis from the new coronavirus.



Houthis in Yemen Strip their Head of Govt of his Powers

The Houthis prevented Ahmed al-Rahwi from naming the head of his office. (Houthi media)
The Houthis prevented Ahmed al-Rahwi from naming the head of his office. (Houthi media)
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Houthis in Yemen Strip their Head of Govt of his Powers

The Houthis prevented Ahmed al-Rahwi from naming the head of his office. (Houthi media)
The Houthis prevented Ahmed al-Rahwi from naming the head of his office. (Houthi media)

The Iran-backed Houthi militias have prevented their so-called prime minister, Ahmed al-Rahwi, from naming the head of his office.

The Houthis have instead forced him to appoint a person of their choosing against his wishes, revealed informed sources in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa.

The Houthis are attempting to strip al-Rahwi, who was named as head of the militias’ new government, of his powers, making his appointment simply a cover for imposing their agenda and favoring Houthis who are descended of the line of their leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi.

The sources revealed that al-Rahwi had headed to the government headquarters with Rabih al-Mehdi, the director of the office of his predecessor. Mehdi hails from the Abyan province that is held by the legitimate government.

Al-Rahwi was seeking to keep al-Mehdi in his post. However, a leading Houthi member, Mohammed Qassem al-Kabisi, who used to occupy the position of government secretary, barred him from making the appointment.

Kabisi even prevented al-Mehdi from entering his office, resulting in an argument with al-Rahwi.

Kabisi informed al-Rahwi that he had no authority in naming the head of his office, saying that he does instead.

Al-Rahwi turned to the Houthis’ so-called ruling high political council to resolve the dispute and was informed that he should accept Kabisi as head of his office despite his objection.

A decree was issued days later naming Kabisi to the post.

He will effectively hold absolute power in government, while al-Rahwi will simply play a figurative role and only be needed to approve decisions and procedures taken by the Houthi leadership, joining other ministers who have no real duties.

The Houthis have formed a new government that will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor in keeping actual power to the militias themselves.

The new lineup includes a pro-Houthi figure, with no diplomatic background or experience, who was named foreign minister, replacing leading General People's Congress member Hisham Sharaf.

The appointment only fueled claims that the Houthis were seeking to eliminate their partners from rule. Al-Rahwi himself had no say in the lineup.

The Houthis announced the formation of their government on August 12. It met on August 17 to discuss its program, referred it to parliament the same day and by the next morning, an announcement was made that it was approved with no amendments or objections.

The incident with al-Rahwi has fueled speculation that the coming period will witness more struggles for power among the Houthis and their partners, whom they are trying to keep out of rule.

Observers noted that Kabisi is the son of a top Houthi leader. Qassem al-Kabisi is one of the founders of the group and is close to their leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi.

The senior Houthi officials believe they have the right to represent the Houthis in rule since they are its founders and oldest members.