Aden, Yemen – On November 21, 2024, Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, the head of the internationally recognized Yemeni government, announced a new direction for the government to redefine its partnerships with international and UN agencies. This announcement was made during his meeting in the temporary capital of Aden with Leila Ahadi, the head of the World Food Programme (WFP) office.

During the meeting, bin Mubarak emphasized the need to put an end to the Houthi group's exploitation of aid to fund their conflict against the Yemeni people. He stated that the partnership pathways will be established with a clear approach to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in achieving objectives aimed at alleviating the humanitarian suffering caused by the Houthi-led conflict.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of distributing aid based on actual needs and demographic changes resulting from displacement from Houthi-controlled areas. He underscored the necessity of prioritizing assistance in coordination with the government.

According to the Yemeni News Agency (Saba), the meeting also addressed the WFP's efforts in food distribution and cash assistance, as well as strategies for responding to areas in need, identifying beneficiaries, tackling funding shortages, and establishing sustainable response mechanisms, including the transfer of program funds through banks in Aden.

Additionally, challenges faced in Houthi-controlled areas were discussed, including ongoing violations against humanitarian workers, such as kidnappings and the theft of aid supplies. Ahadi acknowledged the Prime Minister's concerns regarding program operations and expressed a commitment to strengthening partnerships with the government to resolve any issues.