Threats by Houthi Rebels Hurdle Yemen Peace Process, Continuing Humanitarian Crisis

With the United Nations working hard to initiate a peace process for good, Yemen continues to face a political and humanitarian crisis. Hans Grundberg, the UN special envoy for Yemen, said progress has been hurdled by the continued exchange of threats between the government and Houthi rebels.

He highlighted public threats to return to war, and economic warfare between the government and the rebels were undermining peace efforts. Grundberg said intermittent fighting has continued. But hostilities between the Houthis and the government have not intensified.

The special envoy pointed out that both sides have shown general willingness to seek solutions. However, this needed to be transformed through concrete steps. There should be a clear agreement, including the restart of an inclusive Yemeni political process. Grundberg said threats to return to war are not conducive to maintaining a fruitful mediation environment and urged both sides to refrain from escalatory rhetoric, and continue to utilize channels established under the truce to de-escalate incidents.

The UN noted the Houthis and the government using antagonistic economic measures to weaken the other side. “The government is still being prevented from exporting petroleum products, its major source of revenue, and intra-Yemeni trade in goods and services remains curtailed due to restrictions and the imposition of exorbitant fees and taxes.”

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Grundberg warned that political and economic instability are fertile grounds for violent extremist groups. Highlighting the increasing violent extremist incidents in Abyan and Shabwa governorates, he said it’s another reminder of the consequences of the long-term absence of a political settlement to the ongoing conflict.

The diplomat appealed for the continued unity and support of the Security Council and the international community for UN’s mediation efforts. He said the fragility of the situation and its impact on Yemeni women and men shows the urgent need to reach a consensus on the way forward.