UN envoy calls for Ramadan pause to Yemen’s bitter conflict

Martin Griffiths says the holy month is a time for compromise and building bridges

epa09131593 A Yemeni walks past a mosque on the eve of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in the old city of Sana'a, Yemen, 12 April 2021. Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan by praying during the night time and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual acts during the period between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it is believed that the revelation of the first verse in Koran was during its last 10 nights. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

A Yemeni man walks past a mosque on the eve of Ramadan in the capital Sanaa. EPA

Apr 13, 2021

The UN's envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, on Tuesday urged armed groups in the country to silence their guns for a Ramadan respite to the gruelling civil war.

Mr Griffiths said the holy month offered an "opportunity for all of us to come together, think of those who are suffering, and overcome our differences".

#RamadanKareem
The UN Special Envoy for #Yemen and his office wish to all the people of Yemen a blessed and peaceful #Ramadan
Full message: https://t.co/4mdCLShaid pic.twitter.com/GbZPobXeKQ
— @OSE_Yemen (@OSE_Yemen) April 13, 2021

His comments come amid revived efforts to end the civil war in Yemen, which pits the Iran-backed Houthi rebels against various Yemeni forces and a Saudi-led coalition.

A fighter loyal to Yemen’s government holds a position against Houthi rebels in Marib. AFP

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“Yemen continues to go through hard times,” said Mr Griffiths.

“Ramadan teaches us endurance, empathy and perseverance. I call on the parties to silence the guns and allow Yemenis to observe the month in safety and dignity and put every effort towards achieving what Yemenis aspire for: a lasting and sustainable peace.”

The Saudi-led coalition intervened in the conflict in 2015 to restore a government ousted by the Houthis the previous year. Tens of thousands of people have bene killed in fighting that pushed the Arab world's poorest country to the brink of famine.

Ramadan around the region - in pictures

A member of the Moon-sighting committee looks through a telescope near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to look for the new crescent moon that will mark the beginning Ramadan the following day. Reuters