Barran Press
Rashad Alimi, the President of the Presidential Leadership Council and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, convened an emergency meeting with the High Security Committee on Sunday to discuss measures to empower the Central Bank of Yemen in managing monetary policy and implementing actions to protect the national currency.
According to the official Yemeni news agency, Saba, the meeting included key figures such as Defense Minister and Head of the High Security Committee Mohsen Al-Daari, Interior Minister Ibrahim Haidan, National Security Chief Ahmed Al-Masabi, Military Intelligence and Reconnaissance Chief Ahmed Al-Yafei, Political Security Agency Deputy Noor Al-Din Al-Yami, and committee rapporteur Colonel Abdul Hakim Shaif.
The discussions focused on the committee's role in bolstering the Central Bank's efforts, enabling it to manage monetary policy, stabilize the currency, curb speculation, and address black market activities that harm the national economy and living conditions.
The meeting also addressed various security and military issues, with participants including Aden Governor Ahmed Lamlas, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Mohammed Omar Banajeh, and Aden Police Director Muthar Al-Shaibi. They reviewed strategies to enhance security and stability in the temporary capital of Aden and other liberated areas, as well as measures needed to counter Houthi plans and affiliated organizations.
President Alimi praised the successes of the armed forces and security agencies in combating terrorism, smuggling, and organized crime, highlighting their pivotal role in maintaining security in Aden and other government-controlled provinces.
He stressed the need for the High Security Committee to improve decision-making in security and military matters, respond swiftly to changes, and combat money, weapon, and drug trafficking.
The Yemeni government is currently facing a severe currency crisis, with the local currency, the rial, reaching its lowest exchange rate against foreign currencies in Aden and government-controlled areas. The dollar has surpassed 2,000 rials, up from 1,676 rials in late April, while the Saudi riyal has also increased to 524 rials per dollar.
Last week, the Central Bank’s board called on the Yemeni government to reassess its financial and economic policies, particularly in resource mobilization and expenditure planning.
During its ninth session, the Central Bank urged the Presidential Leadership Council and the government to support the bank in fulfilling its responsibilities independently and professionally amid challenging circumstances and unfavorable developments.