Southern Yemenis Hope Presidential Council Leads to Better Living Conditions

The resignation of President Hadi and his replacement with a presidential council has Yemenis expressing hope for general improvements beyond a slow-moving peace process.

Demonstrators, mostly loyal to southern separatists, say they are happy with the council in general, and are hoping the immediate focus is on improving standards of living.

While the need for aid is the worst in the north, southern Yemen is also suffering from economic woes, and particularly the weak currency. While peace would help on that front, there is hope that more can be done in the near-term to ease the situation.

The separatist Southern Transitional Council says they will use their influence on the council to try to secure independence.