Foreign Affairs

UN-Led Ceasefire in Yemen Expires, But Fighting Subsides Amidst Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

By: Kasturi Chakraborty

Published: September 20, 2023 at 6:04 am EST | Updated: Sep 26, 2023 at 4:04 pm EST

In a recent discussion at the United Nations General Assembly, the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken converged to discuss the persisting situation in Yemen. This discussion took place following a gathering of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), aiming to explore their shared commitment to fostering peace in Yemen.

Shared Regional Priorities and Commitment to Peace

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad Al Alimi earlier that week, underscoring Yemen as a significant focus for Blinken. They addressed shared regional priorities, among which was their commitment to the resolution of the conflict in Yemen. The alignment of the three countries – UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the US – on the way forward in Yemen was confirmed in these meetings.

A Brief Overview of the Yemen Conflict

The conflict in Yemen, which started in September 2014, has seen some respite in recent years. A UN-brokered ceasefire in April 2022 led to a decrease in fighting, which has mostly continued despite the ceasefire expiring in October 2022.

Riyadh’s Historic Talks with Houthi Rebels

In a significant development, Riyadh hosted the Houthi rebels for several days of talks. This marked the first official visit by a Houthi delegation to the kingdom since 2014, following the Iran-backed group’s ousting of the internationally recognized government in Sanaa. The dialogue reiterated the kingdom’s ongoing support for Yemen and its people and its commitment to encouraging Yemeni parties to engage in dialogue. The ultimate goal is to reach a comprehensive and lasting political solution under the United Nations’ supervision.

International Support for Peace Talks

Blinken welcomed the talks in Riyadh, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict in Yemen. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the US agreed on the necessity of cooperation among the three governments and Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council to advance the UN-led peace efforts. The discussions consistently centered on achieving a durable resolution to the ongoing conflict in Yemen and maintaining peace and stability in the region.

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Kasturi Chakraborty

Kasturi Chakraborty, an esteemed international correspondent, consistently showcases her commitment to elevating underrepresented narratives, with a notable focus on Palestinian matters. Serving in key roles at Core Middle East and The Palestine Observer, her journalistic prowess extends from Canada's Kitchener to global platforms. Esteemed institutions, including the New Internationalist and Women's Media Center, have featured her acclaimed work. Prior to her global contributions, Kasturi honed her craft in India, working with top-tier media entities such as Deccan Chronicle, Daily Pioneer, Indian Economist, Millennium Post, and Sunday Guardian, and serving at the Embassy of Georgia. Deeply immersed in the complexities of international relations, gender rights, international law, and the intricacies of war and conflict, Kasturi's journalistic endeavors are anchored in her unwavering commitment to truth and justice.