UN expresses despair over Yemen
The outgoing envoy blames all sides for failing to grasp peace opportunities
Three years ago, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed was appointed special representative on Yemen for the UN secretary-general. He took up the post shortly after the Saudi-led offensive against the Houthis and their allies had begun. Still, he was hopeful that international diplomatic intervention could soon bring the conflict to an end. Three years later, the war continues. Diplomacy, despite the constant efforts of the UN and international community, has failed. Ould Cheikh Ahmed could barely hide his frustration in his final report to the Security Council this week. He recalled beginning his assignment in April 2015 "with Yemen already embroiled in a conflict that has gradually destroyed…everything
Also in this section
9 January 2026
OPEC+ remains on track as output falls, with only Gabon failing to hit its output targets in December, although Kazakhstan’s compliance was involuntary
9 January 2026
The Latin American producer’s crude prospects rely on a multi-pronged approach where even the relatively easy wins will take considerable time, effort and cost
9 January 2026
While many forecasters are reasserting the importance of oil and gas, petrostates should be under no illusion things are changing, and faster than they might think
8 January 2026
Indonesia and Malaysia are at the dawn of breathtaking digital capabilities. Their energy infrastructure must keep up with their ambitions
