EU concerned that US decision to brand Houthis as terrorists will hinder aid to famine struck Yemen

The European External Action Service (EEAS) has issued a statement today (12 January) expressing their concern on the decision by the US to designate the ‘Ansar Allah’ group, known as the Houthis, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO); US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also listed three of the groups leaders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT).

The decision of the outgoing administration has received widespread condemnation. The EEAS spokesperson said that the move risks rendering UN-led efforts to reach a comprehensive solution to the Yemen conflict more difficult: “It will complicate the necessary diplomatic engagement with Ansar Allah and the work of the international community on political, humanitarian and developmental matters.”

The EU is particularly concerned about the impact of this decision on the humanitarian situation in Yemen, currently facing an imminent risk of widespread famine. The designation is likely to have disruptive effects on the delivery of humanitarian aid funded by the international community and further aggravate the economic crisis which has resulted from over five years of conflict.

The EU remains convinced that only an inclusive political solution can end the conflict in Yemen and will continue to promote dialogue among all parties. In coordination with the international community, the EU stands ready to support efforts that mitigate the impact of the designation on the delivery of aid and on the economy, with a particular attention to the functionality of the private sector.

Share this article: