Where did the Diplomatic Efforts on Yemen Reach?

Houthi Leader Abdulmalik Al-Houthi and other leaders criticized Saudi Arabia. They stressed that the kingdom is a party of the Yemen crisis not a mediator. Since its military intervention in Yemen in 2015, Riyadh has stressed that it just plays a mediation role in Yemen. 

Accordingly, the “party or mediator” dilemma is apparently among the real obstacles that face the Omani mediation currently. Saudi security and strategic researcher Brigadier General Dr. Matir Alrwaily stressed that the Kingdom is not part of the conflict in Yemen.

He told “South24 Center”: “Saudi Arabia serves as a peace advocate. It fulfilled its goals of the war by thwarting the Houthi expansion. It now tries to fix the Yemeni affairs”. Expert Abdulaziz Al-Oqab, Chairman of the Fekr Organization for Dialogue and Human Rights Defense, believes that “the Omani mediation didn’t fail as it is related to a certain mission not certain timings or results”.

He told “South24 Center”: “It emanated from an ongoing approach and a wise policy based on moderation as well as the ability to facilitate things and reach reconciliation between different parties. Thus, Saudi Arabia is constantly seeking rapprochement and mediation”.

Political analyst Rashid Al-Haddad, who lives in Sanaa, agrees that the Omani mediation is still in place. He told “South24 Center”: “All indications on the ground underscore the continuation of the Omani mediation role in Yemen”.

“Sanaa has not announced closing the peace door although it warned Saudi Arabia from wasting the chances of peace. The situation over the past period has approached square zero. The return to escalation became possible amid the decline of the peace trajectory and the diplomatic movement”, he added.

Al-Haddad believes that “moving from war to peace needs preparations and trust-building steps to motivate different parties to engage in serious negotiations”.

As the diplomatic activity on Yemen is focused in Saudi Arabia which hosts the leaders of the internationally- recognized government, Alrwaily believes that "the Kingdom became the center of attention of international and regional powers due to its policies and centrality in all issues of the region, top of which is Yemen".

Al-Oqab pointed out that the latest intensified diplomatic moves indicate that "everyone became convinced of the need for a political solution in Yemen after these long years of war and suffering".

He added: "There are big flaws in the previous dialogue mechanisms. There is a big difference between theory and reality. The matter requires a realistic initiative based on facts. This would lead to practical moves to build trust as well as dialogues with a framework and governing monitoring and guarantor mechanisms".

STC official Al-Sharafi said that the political process "is heading to failure". He added that the reasons behind that include "the lack of inclusiveness regarding issues and parties as well as the special focus on demands of the Houthis and external actors at the expense of active political parties and the core issues, the foremost of whom are the South people".

 

Al-Sharafi noted that "there is no peace without solving the Southern issue in a way that fulfills the aspirations of the South people. The STC repeatedly stressed its rejection of bartering the South issue or its resources in any settlement".

"The Houthis don't head towards achieving peace. They consider this matter as a break by which they can restore their power and enhance their economic capabilities before launching a new military campaign", he added.

Alrwaily stressed the importance of maintaining consensus among the PLC in the incoming periods. He said that "The aim of everyone should be repelling the Houthi militia and restoring the state before focusing on any other issues".

Al-Haddad ruled out that things will head towards escalation or the failure of political efforts. He believes that "Saudi Arabia no longer wants the resumption of war".

He pointed out that "Riyadh has priorities to implement Vision 2030. This was clear through the latest Saudi moves through the Ramadan negotiations and the positive understanding confirmed by Sanaa and Riyadh. This is also related to maintaining pacification during past months".

He indicated that "the return of the Saudi delegation to hold a second tour is still possible as no party announced the end of direct negotiations. However, Sanaa has preconditions including implementing more trust-building steps and carrying out Ramadan understandings, especially regarding the humanitarian aspect".

Al-Oqab believes that "the previous and future meetings are the right move in the solution path. Dialogue will remain the right way to reach proper and fair solutions. This is realized by all parties".