The Saudi-backed Yemeni government and Iran-aligned Houthis have both committed to steps towards a ceasefire, according to the UN special envoy for Yemen. The Houthis, who control north Yemen, have been fighting against a Saudi-led military alliance since 2015, resulting in a conflict that has caused immense devastation. The conflict has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and has left 80% of Yemen’s population dependent on humanitarian aid. In a statement, the UN special envoy Hans Grundberg welcomed the parties’ commitment to a set of measures to implement a nation-wide ceasefire, improve living conditions in Yemen, and engage in preparations for the resumption of an inclusive political process under UN auspices. He will now work with the parties to establish a roadmap that includes these commitments and supports their implementation.

The roadmap will include a ceasefire, as well as the commitment to resume oil exports, pay all public sector salaries, open roads in Taiz and other parts of Yemen, and ease restrictions on Sanaa Airport and the Hudaydah port. The Saudi-led military coalition intervened more than eight years ago after the Houthi movement ousted Yemen’s internationally recognised, Saudi-backed government from Sanaa in 2014. Yemen’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the special envoy’s statement and the efforts made to reach a roadmap under the auspices of the United Nations to end the war caused by the Houthis. The Houthi movement has yet to comment.

The peace initiatives gained momentum after Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to re-establish ties in a deal brokered by China. A permanent ceasefire in Yemen would be a significant milestone in stabilising the Middle East. The UN special envoy expressed appreciation for the key roles played by Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman in supporting the parties to reach this point. He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to create a conducive environment for dialogue and the successful conclusion of an agreement on the roadmap.