The Prime Minister has conducted a phone call with the Executive Director of the World Food Programme.

In a recent phone call, Yemeni Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak expressed his condolences to Cindy McCain, the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). This communication followed the tragic murder of WFP employee Ahmed Baalawi, who was kidnapped and forcibly disappeared by Houthi militias on January 23.

Condolences and Calls for Action

During the call, Prime Minister bin Mubarak conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Yemeni government and its people. He extended his sympathies to the WFP staff, the family of the deceased, and the humanitarian community. He emphasized that Baalawi’s death highlights the urgent need for the international community to take a firm stance against the Houthi militia’s actions, which have included the arrest of UN and humanitarian agency employees.

The Prime Minister underscored that Baalawi’s murder serves as a wake-up call regarding the perilous conditions faced by detainees in Houthi prisons. He called for immediate and decisive international action to safeguard their lives and protect humanitarian workers. Furthermore, he urged for the unconditional release of all hostages.

Humanitarian Crisis and Coordination Efforts

The conversation also addressed the Houthi militia’s ongoing attacks against humanitarian efforts and workers. These actions severely hinder efforts to alleviate what the UN describes as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of enhancing coordination between the Yemeni government and the WFP to ensure that aid reaches those in need.

Dr. bin Mubarak praised the WFP’s significant contributions to the Yemeni government’s efforts to mitigate the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the Houthi conflict. He reiterated the government’s request to relocate the main offices of UN agencies and international organizations to the temporary capital, Aden. This move aims to create a stable environment for humanitarian work and reduce the risk of looting by Houthi forces, who have been accused of diverting aid for military purposes.

Strong Condemnation of Houthi Actions

The Prime Minister condemned the brutal actions of the Houthi militia against WFP employee Ahmed Baalawi. He criticized their ongoing criminal policies that undermine humanitarian work and deepen the suffering of the Yemeni people. He emphasized the moral responsibility of the WFP, the UN, and the international community to resist Houthi extortion tactics, which use victims as hostages to influence decisions aimed at dismantling the militia’s structure.

WFP’s Response and Commitment to Safety

In response, Cindy McCain expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of a team member. She reiterated the UN Secretary-General’s call for an immediate, transparent, and thorough investigation into the incident. McCain stressed the necessity of ensuring protection for relief workers and preventing any attacks against them while they carry out their humanitarian duties.

This incident has drawn attention to the critical need for enhanced security measures for humanitarian workers in Yemen, as the conflict continues to escalate. The international community is urged to take decisive action to protect those who risk their lives to provide essential aid to vulnerable populations.

 

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