Barran Press
United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, met with Commander of the Joint Forces, General Fahd Al-Salman, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, to discuss Saudi Arabia's political efforts to achieve security and stability in Yemen. The meeting, reported by Saudi media outlets, covered Saudi support for humanitarian operations, development, and reconstruction in Yemen, as well as ongoing political initiatives aimed at a comprehensive resolution to the Yemeni conflict.
This follows a Monday meeting in Muscat, Oman, where Mr. Grundberg met with senior Omani officials and Houthi representatives, including chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam. A brief statement from the UN envoy's office on X (seen by Barran Press) indicated discussions focused on addressing Yemen's economic crisis, improving living conditions, and responding to regional developments. The statement also noted explorations of ways to strengthen commitments towards an inclusive Yemeni political process.
These efforts build upon a December 2023 UN-brokered agreement that included a nationwide ceasefire, measures to improve living conditions, and preparations for a renewed, UN-sponsored political process. However, progress has been hampered by Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden, which began in November 2023.
In August 2024, a member of the Yemeni Presidential Council, Othman Majali, stated that peace efforts had stalled due to Houthi actions, citing continued violations, arms smuggling, and unilateral attacks across various fronts. Majali highlighted the Yemeni government's cautious approach, mindful of the devastating impact of the Houthi insurgency on the Yemeni people and the nation's infrastructure, economy, and currency.