Yemen has been a seedbed of conflict and turmoil for years, predominantly between the Houthi rebels and the Saudi Arabia-backed forces, loyal to the President of Yemen. An attempt for peace was made in December 2018, when the United Nations mediated a ceasefire agreement at talks held in Stockholm.
Signing the Hodeidah Ceasefire Agreement
The city of Hodeidah in Yemen became the official site for the signing of this agreement. Evidently, Hodeidah was a key location – it was not just the scene of intense fighting between UAE soldiers (who mainly supported the coalition) and rebels, but also the coalition’s blockade, which severely restricted the flow of humanitarian aid into Yemen.
The UN stated that a ceasefire by the conflicting parties started in Hodeidah, including three ports – Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Saleef – from midnight on December 17, 2018. The agreement outlined the requirement for the Houthis to withdraw from these locations. A committee comprising representatives from both sides, and chaired by the UN, will oversee subsequent withdrawal of forces. The control of the Yemeni ports will be transferred to “local forces”, who are responsible for sending the ports’ revenues to the country’s Central Bank.
Prompting Factors Leading to UN Mediation
Several factors led to the declaration of this ceasefire. To begin with, the UN had been pushing for an agreement due to the escalating crisis. Global pressure on Saudi Arabia surged after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside its consulate in Istanbul. Additionally, the magnifying humanitarian crisis in Yemen triggered international outcry, prompting the United States to reduce its involvement by ending the refueling of Saudi Arabian aircraft in the war.
| Key Factors | Impact |
|---|---|
| UN Efforts | Promotion of peaceful mediation between the parties |
| Jamal Khashoggi Murder | Increased global pressure on Saudi Arabia |
| Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen | Global outcry leading to a reduction in U.S. involvement |
Background: The War in Yemen
The conflict in Yemen has a complex history, involving local, regional and international actors since 2014. A group of Zaidi Shia Muslims known as the Houthis, who ruled there for nearly a millennium, protested against the government citing dissatisfaction with President Hadi’s decision to postpone elections and his stalled negotiations over a new constitution.
Marching from Saada province to Sanaa, they surrounded the presidential palace, taking Hadi into house arrest. On March 26, 2015, at Hadi’s request, a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened, leading to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
Data from WHO indicates that the Saudi intervention in Yemen in 2015 has resulted in at least 10,000 deaths. Yemen’s infrastructure was severely damaged due to coalition airstrikes, coupled with a food and medicine shortage due to the blockade. Currently, about 12 million people face starvation risks in Yemen, and the country is also grappling with a massive cholera outbreak; it is estimated that a child dies every 10 minutes from preventable causes according to UNICEF.
Operation Raahat
In response to the escalating conflict, India launched a rescue operation to provide safe passage to Indian citizens and other foreign nationals stranded in Yemen after the Saudi-led coalition intervened.
Way Forward
While the war seems to have reached a stalemate, with the Houthis experiencing territorial loss and the Saudi coalition facing increased international pressure, the conflict can only be resolved through political concessions from both sides. The current deal, if effectively implemented, could be a breakthrough as it may open up the main conduit for humanitarian aid into the country. If a smooth ceasefire is achieved, sooner negotiations and a transitional governing body could be the likely outcomes.
