New York (Dawan Africa) – Somalia, as part of the A3+ group—comprising Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and Somalia—addressed the United Nations Security Council on July 9, 2025, urging the international community to expedite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Gaza. The joint statement was delivered by Somalia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Mohamed Yusuf.
Ambassador Yusuf expressed profound concern over the worsening tensions in both Yemen and Gaza, particularly highlighting the ongoing conflict between Houthi forces and the State of Israel. The statement condemned violations of international humanitarian law and emphasized the dangerous potential for regional instability, with Yemen’s conflict contributing to the broader tensions in Gaza.
“An immediate and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza is essential—to alleviate the suffering of civilians and to contain the effects of the war, which have now extended to Yemen,” the A3+ statement declared.
The group acknowledged the mediation efforts led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar and called for continued international support to reduce tensions and resume meaningful political dialogue in Yemen. They also raised concerns about Houthi attacks on international shipping routes and Israel’s aerial strikes in Yemen's Hudaydah region—actions that threaten civilian populations and risk a larger regional conflict.
The A3+ group also commended recent strides in Yemen, such as a water management agreement in Taiz between local water authorities and the reopening of roads, which are part of the implementation of the 2022 ceasefire.
Finally, the statement reaffirmed the group’s support for the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, and called for the immediate release of all UN and humanitarian personnel detained by Houthi forces, in compliance with international humanitarian law.
