Yemen: Supreme Political Council tasks Ahmad Al-Rahwi to lead new government

The President of Yemen’s Supreme Political Council, Mahdi Al-Mashat, appointed Ahmad Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahwi as the new head of the government in Sanaa on Saturday. This decision aligns with the directives of Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, the leader of the Ansarallah Movement (“the Houthis”), who has been advocating for significant reforms in state institutions since late last year.

Al-Rahwi, who hails from Abyan Governorate in southern Yemen, has been a member of the council since 2019 and previously served as governor of Abyan. His appointment follows the National Defence Council’s decision in September 2023 to dissolve the National Salvation Government led by Abdulaziz Bin Habtoor, in response to Al-Houthi’s calls for radical changes.

Resolution of the President of the Supreme Political Council No. (11) of 1446 AH, assigning Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser Al-Rahwi to form the Government of Change and Construction pic.twitter.com/u38VGM3mhl

— د. يوسف الحاضري (بالإنجليزي) Dr.Yusef Alhadhree (@AlhadryD) August 10, 2024

Al-Mashat has also appointed Bin Habtoor to the Supreme Political Council, further consolidating leadership within the Houthi-led administration. The newly appointed government is tasked with implementing a “change and construction” agenda, reflecting the current priorities of the Houthi leadership amidst the widening of the war on Gaza and the increased involvement of Yemeni armed forces in support of the Palestinian resistance. This comes against the backdrop of ongoing conflict and political instability in parts of Yemen.

According to Al-Mayadeen citing an informed source, the changes will occur in stages and will encompass government structures, ministries and institutions. The source added that the change will include the government first, followed by the judiciary, and will extend to other bodies.

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