Prime Minister Shayea Al-Zindani has declared the relocation of the Social Fund for Development's main administration to Aden as a sovereign decision by the Yemeni state, emphasizing that the legitimate government will not allow the fund to be subjected to Houthi militia extortion.
Al-Zindani, speaking in Aden while chairing a meeting of the Social Fund for Development's board of directors, stressed that the government is exercising its constitutional right to manage national institutions. The meeting focused on the fund's current status, future work plan, and measures to enhance its institutional stability, ensure continuity of its development programs, and uphold principles of governance, transparency, and independence.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the Social Fund for Development, recognizing it as one of the most successful national institutions in implementing development projects. He pledged to empower the fund to perform its duties efficiently and independently, adhering to the governance, transparency, and integrity principles that have contributed to its success over the decades.
Al-Zindani asserted that the decision to move the fund's primary administration from Sana'a to Aden is within the framework of the government's constitutional responsibilities. He stated unequivocally that the state will not tolerate ongoing interventions that compromise the fund's independence or impede its operations.
He accused the Houthi militia of engaging in "systematic tampering" with the fund in recent years, including administrative and executive interference and the redirection of funding to serve their agenda. This, he argued, has damaged the institution's independence, undermined governance principles, and eroded donor confidence and the institutional working environment.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the fund will continue to execute its programs and projects from Aden with efficiency, professionalism, and independence. The government is committed to providing the necessary assurances for the continuity of its activities across all governorates, enhancing oversight and transparency to maintain donor trust and ensure that funding reaches its intended beneficiaries, thereby achieving its developmental and humanitarian objectives.
Al-Zindani highlighted that the government views donors as strategic partners in recovery and reconstruction efforts. He indicated that the upcoming phase will focus on strengthening the institutional work environment and optimizing resource utilization, reinforcing the fund's position as a successful national model for managing and implementing development projects in line with international best practices.
