The Conflict in Yemen: Latest Developments

Please note: Each In-Depth Analysis is assigned a DOI (digital object identifier), which is a safe and long term way of ensuring a hyperlink to the full text of this report. However, when ESO creates this record, on occasion the DOI still has not been activated by the EU Bookshop. If you find the source url hyperlink does not work please use the alternative location hyperlink listed as a related url.The Yemen conflict has deteriorated since 2015 despite repeated rounds of peace negotiations. The most recent round of UN-led Talks ended in August 2016 with no agreement. The conflict is in danger of escalating beyond Yemen’s borders with frequent Houthi incursions into Saudi Arabia, foreign ships being targeted by missiles from Houthi-controlled areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait – a major international trade route – and Saudi Arabia and Iran siding with opposite sides in the conflict.

The latest 72-hour cease-fire starting 20 October 2016 was not renewed when it ended on 22 October 2016. The cease-fire did, however, allow humanitarian aid agencies to step in to start to provide assistance to some of the 21.2 million people across the country who are in need of humanitarian aid. UN OCHA has estimated it needs USD 1.63 billion for its Yemen humanitarian response plan, but it has only received pledges for 47% of that amount so far. The EU has recently announced a further €40 million for the fund, taking the total EU pledge to €120 million.

The European Parliament has called for an EU arms embargo on Saudi Arabia, which is responsible for the majority of the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

European Parliament: Directorate-General for Internal Policies of the Union: Publications available via the EU Bookshop http://bookshop.europa.eu/en/directorate-general-for-internal-policies-of-the-union-cbf.cKABstF7wAAAEjwYYY4e5K/

ESO: Background information: While Kuwait peace talks smoulder, Yemen burns http://www.europeansources.info/record/while-kuwait-peace-talks-smoulder-yemen-burns/

ESO: Background information: Statement by the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the ceasefire in Yemen http://www.europeansources.info/record/statement-by-the-high-representative-vice-president-federica-mogherini-on-the-ceasefire-in-yemen/

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