LOOK BACK ON The Hague conversations on conflict: Yemen – Once again at a crossroads
Nearly two years ago, LINKS Europe and The Hague Humanity Hub started The Hague Conversations on Conflict series with the intention of bringing together diplomats, NGOs, academics, conflict-mediation practitioners and others in a forum where the changing nature of war and conflict could be analysed and assessed, together with the responses of international society.
On Tuesday, May 25th, the 8th edition of The Hague Conversations on Conflict turned its attention to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, looking at the latest developments in the political and security situations, the peace process, and prospects for an end to the conflict, and not least, the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
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, The Hague Conversations on Conflict, moderated by William Murray, Senior Editor and Co-ordinator at LINKS Europe, welcomed three excellent speakers to provide three different perspectives on the current situation and prospects for the future.
The panel for this event included:
- H.E. Ms Sahar Ghanem represents the Republic of Yemen as the Ambassador to the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway, and as Permanent Representative to OPCW, providing the perspective of the Yemeni Government
- Ambassador Peter Semneby, Sweden’s Special Envoy to Yemen. Ambassador Semneby is an experienced diplomat who has worked in a plethora of conflict situations, such as the Caucasus and Afghanistan, and is presenting the international perspective
- Ahmed Nagi, Nonresident Scholar at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut. Ahmed Nagi provided for us the perspective of Yemeni civil society
Watch the recording below and join in for the next edition!
