Talks between Saudi Arabia and Houthi insurgents who seized power in Yemen nine years ago are proceeding, albeit at a deliberate pace. Back-channel talks began in April 2022, when the UN mediated a two-month ceasefire between the parties, which they renewed twice. But as the talks have dragged on, it has become equally apparent that major differences separate the sides. Hopes surged in early April, when the Saudi ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed al-Jaber, visited Sanaa, where the Houthis hold sway. In their official statements, most of the Yemeni factions opposed to the Houthis back the Saudi-Houthi talks.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 10, 2023 13:58 UTC