For eight years, Yemen’s people have suffered a brutal civil war. Hundreds of thousands have been killed, and over 16 million more are on the brink of famine.
Following the lead of Yemeni advocates, the FCNL network has applied immense pressure on congressional lawmakers to end U.S. complicity in this tragedy and bring the war to an end.
Following the lead of Yemeni advocates, the FCNL network has applied immense pressure on congressional lawmakers to end U.S. complicity in this tragedy and bring the war to an end. You’ve sent tens of thousands of letters, raised awareness in your community, and lobbied your members of Congress—all in the name of peace.
Finally, that peace might be upon us. Last week, a delegation of leaders from Saudi Arabia and Oman met with Houthi leaders in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a. Their aim is to reinstate the truce in Yemen, which lapsed in October, and pave the way for broader talks to end the conflict entirely.
Hans Grundberg, the UN envoy for Yemen, said this is “the closest Yemen has been to real progress towards lasting peace.” After years of struggle, the people of Yemen finally have some measure of hope.
But as exciting as the news is, a lot still needs to happen. For one, the United States must remain engaged diplomatically and bolster peace talks in any way possible. Congress should also reintroduce and pass a long-overdue Yemen War Powers Resolution to prevent backsliding from the Saudi-led coalition and ensure that the United States does not resume its unauthorized military involvement if hostilities are renewed.
This is the closest Yemen has been to real progress towards lasting peace.
Even if a permanent ceasefire is reached, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains very urgent. As lawmakers assemble the FY 2024 budget, they should prioritize funding for significant humanitarian assistance to Yemen.
We’ll be working hard to ensure that Congress follows through on these actions, and we know that you’ll be right there alongside us. Stay tuned for more updates on what could be a monumental breakthrough and continue to hold all Yemenis in the Light.
