Top UN Envoy hails two-month renewal of Yemen truce

Children walk through a damaged part of downtown Craiter in Aden, Yemen. The area was badly damaged by airstrikes in 2015 as the Houthi’s were driven out of the city by coalition forces.

A truce between the Government in Yemen and Houthi rebels has been renewed for an additional two months, UN Special Envoy for the country Hans Grundberg announced on Thursday. 

“By agreeing to implementing and now renewing the truce, the parties have provided a rare glimmer of hope to Yemenis that an end to this devastating conflict is possible,” he said in a statement. 

The extension comes into effect at 7pm, local time, and under the same terms as the original UN-brokered agreement, which began on 2 April. 

Reaping the benefits 

The conflict between Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, and the Houthis began in 2015, a few months after the rebels took over the capital, Sana’a.  

Over the past two months, the country’s people have experienced the tangible benefits of the truce, said Mr. Grundberg. 

Civilian casualties have dropped significantly, fuel deliveries through Hudaydah port have increased considerably, and commercial flights have resumed at the main airport in Sana’a, after nearly six years.  

Shifting the trajectory 

Additionally, the parties have been meeting face-to-face under UN auspices for the first time in years to make progress toward opening roads in Taiz and other war-ravaged governorates and implementing nationwide military de-escalation mechanisms. 

“I commend the parties for taking these steps, and for agreeing to extend the truce,” said Mr. Grundberg. “The truce represents a significant shift in the trajectory of the war and has been achieved through responsible and courageous decision making by the parties.”

He added that additional steps still need to be taken, particularly on road openings and commercial flight operations. 

UN engagement continues 

The UN envoy will continue his engagement with the parties towards fully consolidating all elements of the truce, and a sustainable political settlement to the conflict. 

“I count on the parties’ continued cooperation in good faith to build trust and take meaningful steps towards providing a peaceful future for all Yemenis,” he said. 

Mr. Grundberg was grateful for international support for the implementation and renewal of the truce. 

In particular, he mentioned the support of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the members of the UN Security Council. 

He also underlined his appreciation to Egypt and Jordan for their support in facilitating the resumption of international commercial flights from Sana’a airport.