Between Saudi Arabia and Yemeni Houthi, talks are going to be held in Yemen’s capital Sana, raising hope for ending the civil war that devastated the entire country with millions of deaths and heavy economic, social and other impacts. According to several sources including the BBC, a Saudi Arabian delegation is in Yemen for talks with Houthi — the rebel group that is backed by Iran and is at the war with the Yemeni government supported by Saudi Arabia and several other Arab countries — to reach a potentially permanent solution to the war. The optimistic side is that an agreement that could lead to the end of the civil war may be signed before the end of this month.
It is pertinently notable that several efforts have been made to end the civil war in Yemen since it started between the rival parties almost a decade ago. Along with a 2015 UNSC resolution, the United Nations managed to bring the conflicting parties to the discussion table in Geneva and Biel in 2015 and in Kuwait in 2016. Among subsequent peace efforts, the 2018 Stockholm Agreement helped to avert a battle in the port city of Hodeidah, a crucial hub for aid. But the 2022 UN-brokered truce, which first came into effect on 2 April 2022, is rendered a landmark peace effort. Though the earlier peace efforts did not end the devastating civil war, they led to ceasefires between the warring parties that provided the corridor for the transportation of goods and civilian movements in several areas of Yemen and paved the way for seeking a permanent solution.
There are definitely power struggle based, geopolitical and other obstacles to reaching a solution to the Yemen civil war. But the geopolitical rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia — among several causes — has put significant challenges to ending the war. Saudi Arabia formed the Arab Coalition against the Houthis and has been bombing Houthi rebels in support of the Hadi government since 2015, while Iran is accused of sending arms to Houthi rebels. Given that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the two crucial Middle East countries that are in the proxy war not only in Yemen but also in Syria, has improved recently through the mediation of China, the prospect of ending the Yemen civil war is probably high at this time.
Political negotiation based solution to the war is definitely the most acceptable way. It is desired that the parties reach a permanent ceasefire agreement in the Sana peace talks to end the Yemen civil war. But the parties need to find ways to address the multiplicity of problems and reach a complete political solution. Given that the current peace talks do not lead to a solution to the civil war, several rounds of talks may be helpful. But Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels, along with the Yemeni government and Houthi backer Iran, need to be earnest. A good intention of other parties including China may be helpful in successfully ending the war.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
