Amid continued Houthi escalation and threats to prosecute dozens of UN employees, UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg concluded a new regional tour covering Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, aimed at reviving Yemen’s stalled peace process and securing the release of UN personnel detained by the group.
A statement from the envoy’s office said Grundberg met in Riyadh with Yemeni Foreign Minister Shaya al-Zindani and Presidential Leadership Council member Abdullah al-Alimi. Discussions focused on recent developments and UN efforts to preserve momentum for political dialogue and achieve a sustainable peace that reflects Yemeni aspirations while addressing regional concerns.
Grundberg reiterated the need for the immediate and unconditional release of UN staff held in Sanaa, warning that their continued detention restricts the UN’s ability to deliver humanitarian assistance and undermines the trust essential for successful mediation.
According to Yemeni state media, Al-Alimi reaffirmed full support from the council and government for UN efforts toward a just and comprehensive peace based on the three agreed references, foremost among them Security Council Resolution 2216.
He stressed the importance of international pressure on the Houthis to free detainees and halt abuses against humanitarian workers.
Grundberg also reviewed UN efforts with al-Zindani, who reiterated the government’s backing and urged the international community to intensify pressure on the Houthis to comply with relevant UN resolutions and end their repressive actions against staff of international organizations.
In Riyadh, Grundberg met Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed al-Jaber, along with ambassadors of the UN Security Council’s five permanent members and other international representatives. Talks underscored the need to maintain a unified international approach behind UN-led efforts and to prevent the collapse of a fragile de-escalation trajectory.
These moves follow a recent tour of the UAE, Oman and Bahrain, during which Grundberg met Houthi chief negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam and Iran’s deputy foreign minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi to revive political talks and address the issue of detained UN staff.
Grundberg stressed that the arbitrary detention of UN personnel constitutes a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. The UN has warned that the continued detentions erode trust and jeopardize the mediation track Grundberg has led for over two years, threatening prospects for renewed political negotiations.
