Yemen Prime Minister Uses Facebook To Select Cabinet

Yemen’s prime minister, Khaled Bahah, used Facebook to include the Yemeni people’s voice in selecting the new government officials, and his cabinet, the BBC reports. With over 33,000 Facebook followers, Bahah posted a request for names and suggestions on November 1 that stirred debate and created a social media frenzy. Thousands of names were suggested, and many appreciated his attempt to involve his country’s people in a unique manner.

Farea Al Muslimi, a Yemeni activist, noted that “Yemeni politicians and policy makers are usually hiding behind walls, and only show up when they are in crisis and not when they are planning and need ideas.” Others felt more cheeky and made fun of the Facebook post, referring to it as “Yemeni Idol,” and accusing the new prime minister of being “already lost.”

After the resignation of former Prime Minister Mohamed Basindowa, As reported in the Washington Post, Bahah was appointed on October 13 by President Abdu Rabbu Mansour. He was given the task of creating a new government within 30 days. His Facebook post last week was simple: “Participate, as a citizen, in nominating names of a government of technocrats and be part of the event.” Written in Arabic, the post also carried along an avatar wondering which direction to go.

To deescalate political turmoil and bring some stability to Yemen, Bahah selected his members by creating a 24-person administration. The new administration, as explained by Yahoo! News, was meant to include Shia Houthi rebels who were involved in seizing the Sanaa capital back in September.

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Inquisitr recently reported on the protests that took place at the U.S. Embassy in Yemen. Chants of “death to America,” and vandalism at the embassy compounded the reality that violence could grow. During the incident, protestors did not enter the building, but burned the American flag and hung up a banner that stated, “There is no God but Allah.”

Rolling Stone wrote on how American drones were complicating the situation in Yemen. Between constant attacks and noise pollution, Yemeni people have come to be anxious and negative. Peter Schaapveld, a psychologist, ran a research study in Yemen and found that 92 percent of the population sample was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. At some level, the constant turmoil was taking a toll on the people. Children seemed to be severely affected by the fear from the sounds of war. Even women seemed to be having more miscarriages in Yemen as a result from the constant stress. He concluded that the fear of drones was damaging this generation and traumatizing them with ongoing conflict.

It is no surprise that there was a rebellion. This rebellion led to the ousting of the former president, and Houthis was given sanctions, including a global travel ban. The instability and political unrest in Yemen began in 2011 with anti-government protests, a growing al-Qaeda presence, and U.S. drone strikes.

Yemen’s president was able to bring some stability on Sunday by swearing in the new Yemeni government. Prime Minister Khaled Bahah, and others, were sworn in by President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi at the presidential palace. Now the country has to wait and see what the new government has planned.

[Photo courtesy of BBC News]