(Dubai) Yemen is going through a “critical period”, the UN special envoy warned on Sunday, pleading for a lasting peace, a year after a truce which considerably reduced fighting in this country.
This truce, negotiated by the UN, is a “moment of hope”, declared the Swedish diplomat Hans Grundberg, judging that it was still largely respected, despite its expiration in October.
“But the most important promise of the truce is its ability to relaunch a political process aimed at a comprehensive and lasting end to the conflict,” he said, in a statement on the first anniversary of the truce.
Emphasizing that “there are still significant risks”, he called for “protecting the gains of the truce and developing them for more humanitarian aid, a nationwide ceasefire and a political settlement. sustainable development that responds to the aspirations of Yemeni women and men. »
According to him, the military escalation of recent weeks is a reminder of “the fragility of the achievements of the truce if they are not anchored in political progress towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict”.
“At this critical time, any new temporary or partial arrangement must include a clear commitment from the parties that ensures it is a step towards a peaceful solution. »
Relations restored between Riyadh and Tehran
The announcement on March 10 of an agreement between Riyadh – which since 2015 has supported a military coalition supporting the Yemeni government – and Tehran – which supports the Houthi rebels – for the restoration of their diplomatic relations after seven years of rupture has raised hopes appeasement in Yemen.
But analysts doubt an immediate resolution to a very complex conflict, and the recent resumption of deadly fighting shows that the road to peace remains strewn with pitfalls.
The government and the Houthis “must be willing to sit down together and responsibly engage in serious dialogue. This is the measure of their commitment to a future political partnership,” Grundberg said.
The impact of the war has been devastating, with hundreds of thousands of people killed by direct and indirect causes and more than two-thirds of the population living below the poverty line, according to UN estimates.
“More than ever, the time is for dialogue, compromise and a demonstration of leadership and a real will to achieve peace,” called the UN envoy.