NYN | News
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg issued fresh warnings during his briefing to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, highlighting the escalating threat of famine and the collapse of Yemenis’ purchasing power. He urged local parties to take “concrete and practical measures” to pay public sector salaries and improve essential services.
Grundberg warned that the continued deterioration of Yemen’s financial situation has made the economy “the most active frontline” in the conflict. He pointed to the collapse of the local currency, especially in areas controlled by the internationally recognized government, which has significantly eroded what little money citizens still have.
The UN envoy stressed the urgent need for all parties to agree on immediate steps to improve living conditions—chief among them, the full and timely payment of public salaries, boosting purchasing power, and reviving the local economy. He noted that he recently discussed these issues with the head of the internationally recognized Yemeni government, Salem bin Buraik, in Aden, including the resumption of oil and gas exports.
Yemen’s oil exports have been halted by the Sanaa-based authorities since October 2022, in protest over continued revenue transfers to external accounts without agreement on a salary payment mechanism. At the time, they demanded that export revenues be allocated to all civil servants across the country.
While Grundberg recently welcomed partial progress—such as the reopening of the Al-Dhalea road—he emphasized that real improvement in the economic situation requires comprehensive and serious solutions. He called on all sides to seize any upcoming regional de-escalation in the coming months as a chance to shift from crisis management to building lasting solutions.
Grundberg affirmed that his office will continue engaging with both the Sanaa authorities and the internationally recognized government at all levels, aiming to advance progress on economic, humanitarian, and political files. He stressed that stability in Yemen should not remain hostage to regional developments but should instead be pursued as an independent goal through practical steps.
