Yemen Roundup: Economic recovery, unity and reform efforts, internal divisions

Economic recovery

Yemeni Prime Minister Salem bin Braik held high-level talks with ambassadors representing nations sponsoring Yemen’s political process, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US, the UK and France. The meeting reviewed progress on ongoing reforms, with a strong focus on reviving Yemen’s economy, stabilising institutions, and supporting essential public services. Bin Braik underscored the government’s commitment to improving governance and strengthening state institutions amid the country’s fragile security environment. The international envoys reiterated their backing for Yemen’s reform path and pledged continued cooperation to restore stability.

Unity and reform efforts

Ambassadors from the nations overseeing Yemen's peace efforts issued a formal joint statement following discussions with the Yemeni prime minister. The coalition reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s political leadership and reform agenda, emphasising that political cohesion remains crucial to navigating the country’s ongoing challenges. The envoys praised steps taken by the government to rebuild institutions and protect public finances, signalling the international community’s expectation for accelerated progress toward reconciliation and peace.

Peace and security cooperation

Member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Sultan al-Arada met with the US ambassador to discuss issues spanning security, peace negotiations, and economic challenges. Al-Arada highlighted the urgent need for diplomatic support and financial stabilisation as Yemen confronts humanitarian hardship and ongoing tensions with Houthi forces. The US ambassador reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Yemen’s political process and stressed the need to protect gains made in de-escalation efforts, encouraging further dialogue to prevent renewed conflict.

Internal divisions

The United States government has restated its full support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, even as internal differences persist among its members. Washington emphasised its continued backing for Yemen’s political transition and institution-strengthening efforts, warning that internal fragmentation risks undermining peacebuilding and state recovery. The statement underscores Washington’s role as a key external guarantor of Yemen’s political process at a time of renewed uncertainty and humanitarian strain.

Secretary-General’s detention

Yemen’s General People’s Congress (GPC) party has suspended all activities in Houthi-controlled regions after the continued detention of its Secretary-General Ghazi Al-Ahwal. The party accused the Houthi authorities of escalating violations and restricting political freedoms, calling the detention an attack on political plurality and national dialogue. The move signals heightened tensions between Yemen’s traditional political parties and the Houthis, adding a new layer of political friction to an already fragile national landscape.