Yemen’s Future Hinges on Political Process, UN Envoy Warns
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has urged renewed international and regional commitment to a political process as the country faces escalating tensions and a fragile humanitarian situation. Speaking to the UN Security Council on Thursday, Grundberg welcomed recent steps toward stability but cautioned that lasting peace requires a comprehensive political settlement.
“I ask this Council to remain united in supporting a credible path back to a political process and I urge regional actors to align around the same purpose and to use their influence in a coordinated way to steer Yemenis toward engagement,” Grundberg said, according to a UN statement. His appeal comes amid concerns that rising regional instability could draw Yemen back into wider conflict.
Yemen has been fractured by fighting between the internationally recognized government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and Houthi rebels, officially known as Ansar Allah, since 2014. The government is largely based in Aden, while the Houthis control the capital, Sana’a, and significant portions of the north and west. Recent advances by southern separatist forces have further complicated the landscape.
Grundberg, who briefed the Security Council from Riyadh following talks with Yemen’s newly appointed Prime Minister Shaya al-Zindani and members of the Presidential Leadership Council, highlighted some positive developments. These include improvements in electricity provision and the payment of public sector salaries in government-controlled areas, as well as the appointment of three women to cabinet positions.
However, he stressed that these gains remain vulnerable. “Continued tensions, recent security incidents and demonstrations, where in some cases violence and loss of life has been reported, underscore the fragility of the situation,” he said.
The UN envoy emphasized the importance of building on these initial steps by strengthening institutions and implementing economic reforms. He also pointed to a planned southern dialogue as an opportunity to address long-standing grievances and foster consensus among Yemenis.
“Stabilisation in any part of the country will not be durable if the broader conflict is not addressed comprehensively,” Grundberg warned. “Without a wider negotiated political settlement to the conflict, gains will continue to remain vulnerable to reversal.”
Grundberg has been actively engaging with all parties involved, as well as regional actors and the international community, to explore avenues for restarting an inclusive political process. His office has conducted consultations with a diverse range of Yemenis, identifying three key takeaways.
First, there is a widespread recognition of the devastating impact of over a decade of war. Despite the increasing complexity of the conflict, the fundamental objective of peace remains consistent. Second, Yemen requires an inclusive political process under UN auspices to achieve a negotiated settlement that can sustainably end the conflict. This requires a forward-looking approach from all parties.
Third, a credible process is needed to facilitate near-term agreements that alleviate suffering and demonstrate progress, while simultaneously creating space for negotiations on longer-term issues, including the future structure of the state, security arrangements, and principles of governance.
Beyond the political challenges, Grundberg also raised serious concerns about the detention of UN personnel by Houthi authorities. He reiterated his call for the unconditional release of the 73 staff members currently held, many of whom have been held incommunicado and are facing trials that do not meet basic due process standards. He noted that a World Food Programme staff member died in Houthi custody last year without any investigation.
The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, reported to the Security Council that Houthi authorities recently entered multiple UN offices in Sana’a without permission, seizing equipment and vehicles. They continue to withhold clearances for UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flights to Marib, despite a recent resumption of flights to Sana’a after a month-long suspension.
These impediments are occurring at a time when 22.3 million Yemenis – half the population – require humanitarian assistance, an increase of nearly three million from 2025. Approximately 18 million face food insecurity, making Yemen the region’s most severe hunger crisis and the country with the largest number of people experiencing emergency food security conditions, at 5.5 million.
