Aden (South24 Center)

The Yemeni government convened a meeting on Sunday (May 10) in the capital, Aden, to discuss political, security, and economic developments amid a worsening electricity crisis and deteriorating basic services across South Yemen’s governorates.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaya al-Zindani, who stressed the need to improve government performance and accelerate responses to mounting service and livelihood challenges, particularly in the electricity sector, fuel supply, and the regular payment of salaries.

Al-Zindani directed relevant ministries and authorities to provide “urgent and realistic solutions” to address existing shortcomings, while activating oversight and accountability mechanisms and enhancing institutional efficiency.

The meeting also reviewed recent security developments in Aden, including the assassinations of Wissam Qaid, Acting Executive Director of the Social Fund for Development (SFD), and Abdulrahman al-Shaer, Director of Al-Nawras Schools.

Al-Zindani described the incidents as a “warning bell” regarding attempts to undermine security, stability, state institutions, and the civil and development work environment. He stressed that the government would not allow Aden or other government-controlled areas to become an “arena of chaos.”

The Cabinet listened to a report from the Ministry of Interior on measures taken to pursue those involved in the recent crimes, as well as plans aimed at strengthening preparedness and coordination among security agencies.

The Council instructed the Ministry of Interior to intensify security and intelligence efforts and enhance coordination with local authorities and judicial bodies to prevent breaches affecting citizens’ lives and daily activities.

On the economic front, the Cabinet approved funding for the establishment of a market monitoring system designed to enable the Ministry of Industry and Trade to track prices, commodity availability, and stock levels.

The Council also approved an industrial tuna fishing agreement and adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Yemeni Ministry of Transport and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. In addition, it reviewed two MoUs with Jordan and the Sultanate of Oman covering agriculture, fisheries, and food security.

Aden and several southern governorates have experienced a sharp deterioration in electricity services for weeks, with prolonged power outages coinciding with rising temperatures, fueling growing public frustration and protests over declining services and living conditions.