The Hague Conversations on Conflict – Yemen: Once again at a crossroads

Started in 2019 by LINKS Europe and The Hague Humanity Hub, The Hague Conversations on Conflict aim to rethink approaches to conflict prevention and resolution and to provide a forum where the changing nature of conflict can be analysed and assessed, together with the responses of international society.

A new situation is emerging in Yemen, both on the military and the political fronts, with several ongoing efforts to revive and support the UN peace process, including efforts by the US Special Envoy for Yemen, Timothy Lenderking, and the European Union.  

The recent military campaign in Marib suggests that no talks will be held before there are gains on the ground. This undoubtedly poses serious concerns for the humanitarian situation amidst poor donor pledges in both 2020 and 2021. This reality cannot be ignored as it could shape the peace process going forwards and is capable of redefining Yemen’s relationship with its neighbours. 

Looking at the conflict from a regional perspective, it is now clear that neither Iran’s nor Saudi Arabia’s roles can be ignored or be disregarded in the peace process. In addition, other actors have pitched in, with some, such as the UAE, playing rather ambiguous roles. Conversely, Oman has been active since the beginning to foster dialogue between the different Yemeni groups and is open to mediate between all Yemeni actors.   

With Yemen at a crossroads on various fronts, this event will look into the current political, security, regional and humanitarian prospects for the future. 

After the panel discussion and Q&A, participants will be given the chance to discuss the topic and network in online break-out rooms during which some of the issues discussed can be further unpacked. Grab this chance to meet new people and keep the conversation going!

Speakers:

• H.E. Ms Sahar Ghanem – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Yemen to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and a Non-resident Ambassador to Sweden and Norway; Permanent Representative of the Republic of Yemen to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
• Ambassador Peter Semneby – Sweden’s Special Envoy for Yemen
• Ahmed Nagi – Nonresident Scholar at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut