Aden (South24 Center)

Yemen's new Minister of Information, Salem Thabit Al-Awlaqi, has announced plans to develop state media institutions, strengthen partnerships with independent media, and expand press freedoms, marking a new phase for the ministry after nearly a decade under his predecessor, Moammar Al-Eryani, whose tenure faced criticism over the performance of government media and its limited ability to keep pace with political and military developments in the country.

In remarks published by the government-run Saba news agency on Sunday (November 8), Al-Awlaqi said the Ministry of Information was open to all journalists and media professionals and regarded both state-run and independent media outlets as essential partners in fulfilling its responsibilities. He also emphasized respect for journalistic independence and the protection of journalists' rights and professional freedoms.

The remarks came days after Al-Awlaqi was appointed Minister of Information under Republican Decree No. 74, issued on November 2, replacing Al-Eryani, who was appointed an ambassador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after holding the information portfolio since September 2016.

Al-Awlaqi outlined his priorities for the coming period, including modernizing state media institutions and their tools, training personnel, improving working conditions, expanding cooperation with private and independent media outlets, and strengthening press freedoms and citizens' right to access information.

During a meeting on Sunday in Riyadh with Neal Hope, the US Chargé d'Affaires to Yemen, the minister discussed developing media performance, training journalists, and drawing on American expertise to keep pace with technological advances in the media industry.

According to the government-run Saba news agency, Al-Awlaqi stressed the importance of countering Houthi disinformation and incitement campaigns and strengthening the availability of reliable information. The US diplomat, meanwhile, emphasized support for professional and independent media and freedom of access to information.

The leadership change at the Ministry of Information follows years of criticism over the weak institutional performance of government media and its limited effectiveness in countering Houthi narratives, despite the ongoing war and the challenges facing Yemen's press and media institutions.

During Al-Eryani's tenure, the ministry faced allegations of corruption and poor performance. The minister and government-run television channels remained based in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, throughout those years.

Limited partnerships between government media and independent news organizations also raised questions about the ministry's ability to draw on professional expertise outside state institutions and strengthen its messaging among domestic and international audiences.

Al-Awlaqi hails from Shabwa Governorate in South Yemen. He previously served as spokesperson for the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a member of its Presidium, and head of its National Media Authority. He was also a member of the Consultation and Reconciliation Commission supporting Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council (PLC).

He also headed the General Authority for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning in 2025 before being appointed Minister of Civil Service and Insurance in February 2026 and subsequently taking over the Information Ministry in early November.

The new minister now faces the challenges of revitalizing government media institutions, improving working conditions for their employees, upgrading their technical and professional capabilities, and building more open relationships with independent media organizations.