Yemeni Prime Minister Salem bin Braik held high-level talks with ambassadors representing nations sponsoring Yemen’s political process, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the US, the UK and France. The meeting reviewed progress on ongoing reforms, with a strong focus on reviving Yemen’s economy, stabilising institutions, and supporting essential public services. Bin Braik underscored the government’s commitment to improving governance and strengthening state institutions amid the country’s fragile security environment. The international envoys reiterated their backing for Yemen’s reform path and pledged continued cooperation to restore stability.

Unity and reform efforts

Ambassadors from the nations overseeing Yemen's peace efforts issued a formal joint statement following discussions with the Yemeni prime minister. The coalition reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s political leadership and reform agenda, emphasising that political cohesion remains crucial to navigating the country’s ongoing challenges. The envoys praised steps taken by the government to rebuild institutions and protect public finances, signalling the international community’s expectation for accelerated progress toward reconciliation and peace.

Peace and security cooperation

Member of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Sultan al-Arada met with the US ambassador to discuss issues spanning security, peace negotiations, and economic challenges. Al-Arada highlighted the urgent need for diplomatic support and financial stabilisation as Yemen confronts humanitarian hardship and ongoing tensions with Houthi forces. The US ambassador reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Yemen’s political process and stressed the need to protect gains made in de-escalation efforts, encouraging further dialogue to prevent renewed conflict.

Internal divisions

The United States government has restated its full support for Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, even as internal differences persist among its members. Washington emphasised its continued backing for Yemen’s political transition and institution-strengthening efforts, warning that internal fragmentation risks undermining peacebuilding and state recovery. The statement underscores Washington’s role as a key external guarantor of Yemen’s political process at a time of renewed uncertainty and humanitarian strain.

Secretary-General’s detention

Yemen’s General People’s Congress (GPC) party has suspended all activities in Houthi-controlled regions after the continued detention of its Secretary-General Ghazi Al-Ahwal. The party accused the Houthi authorities of escalating violations and restricting political freedoms, calling the detention an attack on political plurality and national dialogue. The move signals heightened tensions between Yemen’s traditional political parties and the Houthis, adding a new layer of political friction to an already fragile national landscape.

The South African rand remained muted this week as investors awaited news on whether the country could be removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) “grey list.” Analysts say that a successful exit could strengthen the rand’s medium- to long-term performance and restore confidence in South Africa’s financial systems. The country was placed on the list in 2023 for deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks. Since then, authorities have introduced a series of legal and institutional reforms to meet FATF standards. Market watchers argue that removal from the list would not only attract new capital inflows but also boost South Africa’s global financial credibility.

Taxi industry

Former Police Minister Bheki Cele delivered a stark assessment of South Africa’s taxi industry before Parliament, describing it as plagued by violence, criminal infiltration, and police corruption. “There are more guns than flowers in this industry,” Cele remarked , adding that deep-rooted criminality had turned many taxi associations into centres of fear and lawlessness. Cele distanced himself from controversial figures allegedly linked to the sector and said that persistent political interference had compromised policing efforts. His testimony reignited debate about the government’s capacity to restore order and accountability in one of the country’s most vital yet volatile transport sectors.

National Prosecuting Authority

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi continues to navigate one of South Africa’s toughest public service roles. Her tenure, marked by persistent challenges, has been hampered by political interference, internal divisions, and a chronic shortage of resources. Analysts suggest that the NPA’s dysfunction stems less from individual leadership failures and more from entrenched systemic weaknesses, including a legacy of state capture and administrative instability. Despite efforts to rebuild public trust, the agency’s slow pace in prosecuting major corruption cases has drawn criticism from civil society and opposition parties.

Government of National Unity

Former President Jacob Zuma has launched a scathing attack on South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), calling it “illegitimate” and “a fragile, elitist pact” that protects those responsible for corruption and poor governance. Speaking on behalf of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, Zuma accused the GNU of sidelining the working class and betraying the country’s democratic ideals. He vowed that his party would “demand accountability from all implicated officials” and push for a political system that serves “the people, not the elite.”Zuma’s comments come amid ongoing divisions within the ruling coalition and debates over the GNU’s stability and legitimacy.

Power cuts

State utility Eskom has warned that power cuts could return in the coming weeks due to rising electricity demand and ongoing maintenance at several generation units. The company said its system remained “vulnerable” despite recent improvements in generation capacity. Analysts caution that renewed load-shedding could undermine investor confidence and slow South Africa’s economic recovery. The warning comes as the government faces mounting pressure to stabilise the energy sector and accelerate the transition to renewable power.