Yemeni civil society pushes for opening of roads to the city of Taiz despite Houthi reluctance

29 MAY 2022


Yemeni civil society groups are campaigning actively for the opening of roads connecting the Yemeni city of Taiz with other major urban centres despite reluctance by the Houthi rebel group.

UN Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, on Saturday (28 May) concluded an initial round of discussions in Amman, Jordan, attended by representatives of government and rebels on options to open key roads in Taiz and other governorates, as per the UN-mediated truce agreement signed in April.

A proposal for the phased re-opening of roads, including an implementation mechanism and guarantees for the safety of civilian travelers was drawn up based on the three-day discussions and options presented by both sides.

“It is promising that the parties met face-to-face to discuss the issue of road openings for the first time in years. I now call on the parties to conclude their internal deliberations urgently and deliver positive results to the Yemeni people,” said Mr. Grundberg. “Lifting restrictions on the freedom of movement of people and goods will not only have a positive impact on alleviating the suffering of the Yemeni people and reviving the economy, but will also help cultivate confidence in the political process.”

Civil society actors and local mediators, many of whom are from Taiz, also took part in the discussions by offering their insights and expertise as well as practical options for road openings.

“The role of civil society in those discussions proved to be indispensable, as they offered a compass to all those involved, including the UN, for prioritizing the interests and lived experiences of Yemeni women, men and children,” said Mr. Grundberg.

Media sources in Amman say that the talks were on the verge of collapse on Friday, with the Yemeni government threatening to walk away after the Houthis refused to open the main roads that link the city of Taiz with Hodeidah, Aden and Sanaa, suggesting only opening a narrow mountain route.

Maj. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Mahmoudi, deputy head of the Yemeni government delegation on Taiz, told Arab News that it had insisted on lifting the Houthis’ siege of the city by opening the main roads.

Dozens of human rights groups, activists, government officials and Taiz residents have launched a new campaign on social media, using hashtag #Siege_of_Taiz_crime, calling for the opening of roads to the city.

Yemenis widely circulated images of cars loaded with goods and fuel overturning on the steep and unpaved slopes drivers were forced to turn to after the Houthis blocked the city’s main entrances.

PARTIES’ MILITARY COORDINATION COMMITTEE CONVENES FIRST MEETING UNDER THE TRUCE

AMMAN, 28 May 2022 – The Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen convened today the first meeting of the military coordination committee comprised of representatives of the parties in Amman, Jordan.

The meeting was attended by military representatives of the Government of Yemen, Ansar Allah and the Coalition Joint Forces Command and chaired by the UN Envoy’s military adviser Brigadier General Antony Hayward. Constructive discussions focused on setting up a robust coordination mechanism for regular dialogue and communication to de-escalate and address incidents that impact civilians and threaten to derail the truce.

“It is critical that parties have a neutral space to talk and interact with each other honestly, respectfully and freely with a focus on solutions,” Brig. Gen. Hayward stressed.

Representatives discussed options for a joint mechanism that will be tasked with addressing and de-escalating strategic and operational military and security incidents of concern in a timely manner.

“This first in-person meeting of military representatives of the parties in a long time to discuss how to improve dialogue and communication between them is a crucial step towards building trust and supporting the political process,” said Mr. Grundberg. “The parties should continue those positive steps by ensuring the continuation of the work of this coordination committee.”

The representatives agreed to hold a follow up meeting.