Yemen’s Huthi rebels, supported by Iran, are planning to go to Riyadh. This is the first time they’ve publicly announced such a visit since the Saudi-led coalition started fighting in 2015, according to government and diplomatic sources.
The Huthi rebels are planning to visit Saudi Arabia soon, raising hopes for progress in the long-standing conflict that has caused immense suffering and loss of life. This visit follows talks between Saudi officials and the rebels in Sanaa five months ago. Despite the official ceasefire ending in October, it has largely held. A Yemeni government official mentioned preparations for the Huthi delegation’s visit within the next 72 hours. A Western diplomat in Yemen confirmed this, suggesting it could happen within the next two days. Yemen has been in turmoil since the Huthis took over Sanaa in 2014, leading to a Saudi-led intervention. This conflict has displaced millions and exacerbated an already severe humanitarian crisis. Although the six-month ceasefire officially ended in October, it has mostly been observed. Progress towards peace has been slow since the Saudi delegation visited Sanaa in April. Recently, a delegation from Oman, acting as a mediator, arrived in Sanaa. This occurred shortly after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Oman’s sultan on his way back from the G20 summit in India. Qhoom, a member of the Huthis’ political council, announced that the rebels’ delegation would travel to Saudi Arabia on an Omani plane. He expressed hope and optimism for Oman’s mediation efforts to bring about peace in Yemen.
From the back rooms to the living room
The leader of the Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies, Majed al-Madhaji, explained to AFP that the Huthi visit marks a shift in their relationship with Saudi Arabia, moving it from private discussions to more open ones.
By holding talks in Riyadh, both sides are giving legitimacy to this relationship and pushing it forward.
Politically, this is a significant step towards reducing Saudi Arabia’s direct involvement in Yemen. It also means the Huthis recognize Saudi Arabia’s role as a mediator, as well as being one of the parties in the conflict.
Efforts for peace in Yemen have gained speed since Saudi Arabia and Iran, major regional rivals, surprisingly began mending their relationship in March, after seven years of severed ties.
SOURCE: FRANCE24