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