UAE calls for Yemen stability as Ambassador, Mohamed Abushahab, asked the United Nations Security Council to move beyond conflict management and focus on long lasting peace, security and humanitarian recovery in the nation.
UAE calls for Yemen stability
An immediate and renewed call for stronger international action has been issued by the UAE to bring long lasting peace, stability, and security in Yemen, as the country enters a condemning phase in its extended conflict. Mohamed Abushahab, the Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the UN, speaking in a United Nations Security Council session on Yemen, stressed that the global community must move beyond merely managing the conflict and instead focus on solving it eternally.
“At this censorious juncture for Yemen, instead of resolving, the Security Council must not resign itself to an approach of managing, this conflict,” Abushahab said, highlighting the need for collective political and diplomatic engagement.
Role of UAE: Restoring Stability
Abushahab, Ambassador, highlighted that the Arab Coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been joined by UAE, to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen in the year 2015 at the formal request of the government of Yemeni. The coalition was made to counter the increasing threat caused by the Iran-backed Houthi militia, which had seized huge parts of the country and undermined internationally recognized government of Yemen.
Over the previous decade, the UAE has played an important role in strengthening security across strategic regions of Yemen. According to Abushahab, the coalition, with strong Emirati support, helped release the southern port city of Aden, abolish Al-Qaeda elements from Mukalla, guarded Yemen’s western coastline, and defend the city of Marib.
“These efforts contributed significantly to protecting sovereignty of Yemen and restoring regional stability,” he said.
Heavy Loss for Peace and Security
The UAE’s participation in peace and security in Yemen came at a high price. Ambassador Abushahab acknowledged that the country gave a “significant cost” in its efforts to protect Yemen and the wider region. Some of the Emirati soldiers lost their lives for duty, and the Houthis carried out a dangerous and deadly terrorist attack on the soil of UAE.
Instead of these loss, the UAE stayed committed to its main objectives: protecting the Yemeni people from aggression of Houthi, combating terrorism, and ensuring long lasting peace and stability in the region.
Humanitarian Support for the People of Yemen
Beyond security and military operations, the UAE has been one of the largest humanitarian donors to the Yemen. The country has given more than $8 billion in development and humanitarian assistance, helping millions of Yemeni’s people survive amid one of the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
This support included medical supplies, food aid, infrastructure projects, and funding to help Yemen’s legitimate government provide important services such as water, healthcare and electricity.
“The UAE’s commitment has always extended beyond security—it is about restoring hope and dignity to the Yemeni people,” noted Abushahab.
UAE Winds Up Counter-Terrorism Operations
On December 30, the UAE officially announced the wind up of all remaining counter-terrorism units operating in Yemen. In order to make sure the safety and security of UAE personnel, the termination was voluntary and conducted in accordance with related authorities, confirmed the Ministry of Defence.
These steps mark the end of the UAE’s direct military indulgence in Yemen, meanwhile reaffirming its ongoing humanitarian and political engagement in the country.
Yemen’s Future: Commitment
The UAE calls for Yemen stability and restates its unwavering support for future of Yemen, although the military operations have winded up, Abushahab said to the Security Council, “Our solidarity with the people of Yemen remains as resolute as ever,” stating that the UAE will continue to support in Yemen’s path towards prosperity, security and stability.
The UAE is urging the world to escalate peace-building and diplomatic efforts, as Yemen stands at an important moment, —so that the nation can finally move beyond war and conflict towards a peaceful and stable future.
