Yemen has appointed Afrah al-Zouba as its first-ever female foreign minister, marking a historic milestone in the country's political history as it continues to grapple with years of conflict.
Al-Zouba was sworn in on July 23, 2026, becoming the first woman to hold the foreign affairs portfolio or any of Yemen's most senior cabinet positions. Her appointment reflects decades of experience in development, governance, peacebuilding, and public administration.
Originally from Al-Bayda Governorate, al-Zouba trained as a pharmacist before earning a master's degree in community health and health economics in Malaysia, followed by an MBA in Yemen. She spent more than 25 years working on development projects, humanitarian programmes, and government reforms.
She gained national recognition after Yemen's 2011 uprising when she served as the first deputy secretary-general of the National Dialogue Conference, a key political process aimed at guiding the country's democratic transition and drafting a new constitution.
Al-Zouba has also worked with international organizations, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and later served as an adviser to former Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik on humanitarian and development issues. Before her latest appointment, she was Yemen's Minister for Planning and International Cooperation.
Despite questions from some observers about her diplomatic experience, al-Zouba has participated in United Nations-backed peace initiatives and has been an advocate for greater women's involvement in Yemen's peace process.
She assumes office at a critical time as Yemen's internationally recognized government seeks to strengthen its position against Houthi forces amid renewed security tensions. As foreign minister, al-Zouba is expected to represent Yemen in regional and international diplomacy while seeking greater support for peace, stability, and national reconstruction.
.jpeg)
.jpeg "Sunayen kofofin aljanna guda takwas 8")
0 Comment about the Post: