UN Envoy Stresses Need for Inclusive Political Process to End Yemen War

United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has cautioned that recent fragile gains in the country will not translate into sustainable stability without a comprehensive political process addressing the wider conflict, mediated by the UN.

In a briefing delivered to the Security Council from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, Grundberg noted "early positive indicators" within areas controlled by the legitimate government, specifically citing the appointment of the new administration led by Dr. Shai'a Al-Zandani, alongside improvements in electricity supply and salary disbursements.

However, the Envoy warned that these improvements are vulnerable to reversal due to ongoing security tensions, violent demonstrations, and worrying attacks targeting journalists and media institutions, particularly in Aden. Grundberg outlined three fundamental pillars for advancing the political resolution track, based on recent consultations, advocating for an approach rooted in realism and inclusivity that reflects Yemen's current reality after a decade of war, moving beyond outdated assumptions.

He called for the simultaneous management of political, economic, and security files, ensuring that progress in one track does not impede the others. Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of achieving short-term agreements to alleviate citizen suffering, implemented in parallel with discussions on strategic issues such as the form of the state and security arrangements.

Grundberg revealed that direct negotiations between Yemeni parties regarding prisoners and detainees are continuing in Amman, Jordan, urging for a breakthrough before the holy month of Ramadan based on the principle of "all for all." In the same context, the UN Envoy reiterated his demand for the Houthi militia to immediately and unconditionally release 73 detained UN and civil society staff, criticizing their referral to trials that do not adhere to legal standards of justice.

On the regional level, Grundberg emphasized the critical need to shield Yemen from the consequences of escalating regional tensions, asserting that the decision regarding peace or war is a "national matter" that no single party has the right to unilaterally determine or use to drag the country into external conflicts.

The Envoy concluded his briefing by urging the Security Council and the international community to maintain a unified stance in supporting a credible political process, affirming that building accountable institutions that include women and youth is the sole guarantee for Yemen’s future.