Grundberg leaves Sana'a, urges Houthis to de-escalate and release detainees immediately

The UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, left Sanaa, which is under the control of the Houthi militia, today, Thursday, after a three-day visit, his first in about two years.

During his stay in Sana'a, Grundberg did not meet with the militia's senior leadership in Sana'a, and limited his meetings to the militia's prime minister, foreign minister, and head of the prisoners' committee, according to Houthi media, while the envoy's office statement was satisfied with indicating that he held discussions with what it called "senior political and military officials."

The statement said that the discussions focused on "renewing engagement in the political process, with a focus on addressing challenges and exploring possibilities for promoting peace in the complex context of the region."

He added that Grundberg, during his meetings, stressed the importance of de-escalating national and regional tensions to foster an environment conducive to dialogue, and urged the need to agree on concrete measures to pave the way forward for a political process to achieve sustainable peace and stability throughout Yemen.

He pointed out that the discussions highlighted the importance of taking measures to address economic challenges and improve living conditions, while at the same time enhancing preparations for a ceasefire - essential components of the roadmap and reaching a political solution that meets the aspirations of the Yemenis.

“I am determined to protect the progress made so far on the road map and focus on the prospects for peace in Yemen,” Grundberg said.

On the issue of prisoners and abductees, the envoy stressed during his discussions that the issue is vital to building trust between the parties and moving forward in implementing previous commitments.

He also stressed the importance of prioritizing this humanitarian issue as a step towards building confidence that could help enable broader agreements and demonstrate commitment to peace efforts, the statement said.

The statement pointed out that, at the beginning of his visit, Grundberg visited the family of one of the UN employees kidnapped by the Houthis since June 2024, and expressed his sincere sympathy and condolences for what they have endured during this difficult period, offering his support to them.

He also briefed them (the family) on the UN’s efforts to release all arbitrarily detained staff members, and expressed his solidarity with the families of other detainees, recognizing their shared suffering and the urgent need to release their loved ones.

The statement said that in all his discussions, the UN envoy strongly urged the Houthis to release detained individuals from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions immediately and unconditionally.

Grundberg stressed that arbitrary arrests are unacceptable and constitute a violation of international law, adding: "We must protect the role of civil society and humanitarian workers. They make vital contributions to achieving peace and rebuilding Yemen."

The UN envoy arrived in Sana'a on Monday, following his meetings in the Omani capital, Muscat, with Omani officials, along with the official spokesman for the Houthis and head of their negotiating delegation, Mohammed Abdul Salam.

The envoy's office said that Grundberg's visit comes within the framework of his ongoing efforts to urge the Houthis to take concrete and substantive measures to advance the peace process, and also aims to support the release of arbitrarily detained UN staff, NGO workers, civil society members, and members of diplomatic missions held by the group.