Published: 11:56, August 29, 2023 | Updated: 12:08, August 29, 2023
Yemeni govt launches payment reform to combat corruption
By Xinhua

In this file photo dated July 18, 2021, a Yemeni flag waves at the historic 12th cehntury citadel of al-Qahira in Yemen's third city of Taez, ahead of celebrations of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

ADEN, Yemen - Yemen's internationally-recognized government on Monday announced a decision to pay government employees' salaries through approved banks in an effort to advance comprehensive reforms and combat corruption.

In a statement released by the state-run Saba news agency, the country's Ministry of Finance said the move "is fully endorsed by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and underlines a commitment to sweeping financial, economic, and administrative reforms."

Under the decision, set to take effect this month, the salaries of central and local authority employees will be paid through qualified banks rather than directly from the government, the statement noted, adding the move aims to streamline the salary distribution process, improve transparency, prevent potential manipulation, and ensure proper payment to civil, military and security personnel.

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The move is part of the understandings reached with international donors, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to make the most use of financial support and aid, according to the statement.

The Yemeni government officials based in the southern port city of Aden say they are committed to confronting financial and administrative corruption in state institutions to improve Yemen's economy and living conditions for the country's citizens.

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Yemen has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2014, with the Houthi rebels fighting against the government and its allies. The war disrupted Yemen's food supply chain and caused widespread famine, bringing the Arab world's poorest country to the brink of collapse.