Yemen’s permanent representative: Red Sea security begins restoring state institutions.

Yemen’s Permanent Representative Emphasizes Red Sea Security Tied to State Sovereignty

Dr. Ali Majour, Yemen’s Permanent Representative to the European United Nations and international organizations in Geneva, asserted that the security and stability of the Red Sea hinge on the restoration of Yemen’s state institutions and full sovereignty. He emphasized that any arrangements that overlook this reality will remain inadequate and unsustainable solutions.

Yemen’s Crisis Mischaracterized

In his address during the high-level Geneva Dialogue on Security Engineering for Peace in the Middle East and North Africa (GAPS MENA), held in Geneva, Dr. Majour explained that reducing the Yemeni crisis to a mere “transient maritime disturbance” and relying on temporary solutions and fragile agreements has not brought any stability. Instead, these approaches have allowed the Houthi militia to enhance its military arsenal and extend its threats to global shipping routes and supply chains.

Warning of Escalating Military Threats

Dr. Majour warned about the dangerous developments in Yemen, particularly the military escalation by the Houthi militia towards the port of Al-Mokha, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Meyun Island. He noted that these movements form part of a regional scheme driven by Tehran to tighten pressure on both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.

Rising Security Threats from Militia Coordination

He highlighted the increasing security threat stemming from the coordination and transfer of weapons between the Houthi militia and the Somali terrorist group Al-Shabaab, which is linked to Al-Qaeda. This collaboration poses a direct threat to the stability of the Gulf of Aden and the southern Red Sea.

Strategic Pillars to Address Escalation

The Permanent Representative of Yemen stressed three strategic pillars to counter this escalation. First, he called for the international community to move beyond mere expressions of concern and condemnation, transitioning to a tangible security and military partnership on the ground. He reaffirmed that “there is no alternative to state sovereignty.”

Sustainable Solutions for Maritime Security

Dr. Majour explained that international naval patrols and the interception of missiles and drones at sea remain temporary and costly solutions. He argued that the sustainable solution lies in the comprehensive empowerment of Yemen’s Coast Guard and Navy to enforce control, secure coastlines and ports, and combat smuggling networks.

Urgent Humanitarian Response Needed

He urged for an immediate humanitarian response to assist tens of thousands of civilians and displaced persons affected by the recent Houthi bombardment of villages and camps in the coastal areas, Taiz, and Marib.

Attendance at the Session

The session was attended by the Ministerial Advisor, Ambassador Mujib Othman, and members of Yemen’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, Advisor Raidan Othman and First Secretary Yahya Al-Rafiq.

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