Hans Grundberg, the UN Envoy to Yemen, has warned that despite recent agreements to ease economic escalation, Yemen remains at risk of returning to widespread conflict as fighting continues among the warring parties. According to the official United Nations website, the crisis in Yemen, which worsened in 2014 after the Houthis seized the capital, is characterized by complex political and military tensions. More than 18 million people—half of the country’s population—still rely on humanitarian aid and protection.
Grundberg, in a briefing to the UN Security Council, noted that while violence remains below the levels of the 2022 ceasefire, clashes in areas like Hodeidah and Taiz continue to claim lives. He warned that “the current situation is a stark reminder that the threat of returning to large-scale war is still present.” He highlighted that regional tensions resulting from the war in Gaza continue to complicate the crisis in Yemen.
He reiterated his concern about this escalating trend and repeated his call for the conflicting parties to prioritize Yemen and focus on settling the conflict in the country.
Grundberg stated he aims to “use the understanding reached on July 23 [regarding economic easing] as a first step to separate the economy from politics and to shift the parties from a zero-sum mindset to one of cooperation,” stressing the importance of continued engagement. He also mentioned ongoing consultations with Yemeni civil society, including women, youth, and vulnerable groups, as part of the push towards a comprehensive peace process.
