HIGHLIGHTS
Yemen peace talks commence in Kuwait on April 21 following a threeday delay
Parties to the conflict largely maintain a cessation of hostilities, which began on April 10
Response agencies address humanitarian needs following midApril floods in seven governorates
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
UN-led peace negotiations between Republic of Yemen Government (RoYG), Al Houthi, and other stakeholder delegations began on April 21 following the delayed arrival of Al Houthi and allied representatives to Kuwait, the UN reports. UN representatives are working to address outstanding concerns among the parties and continue to emphasize the need for a peaceful resolution to the current conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Parties to the conflict began a cessation of hostilities on April 10, more than one week ahead of the renewed peace negotiations. The agreement continues to hold in many areas despite reports of intermittent clashes in some governorates, including Al Jawf, Marib, Sana’a, and Ta’izz, among other areas, according to international media.
Heavy rainfall and floods from April 13–14 resulted in at least 24 deaths, affected an estimated 49,000 people, and damaged agriculture, livelihoods, homes, roads, and water infrastructure across seven Yemeni governorates. Humanitarian agencies are assessing needs among flood-affected populations, and at least 10 response organizations are coordinating with local authorities to address key needs, including safe drinking water and food, health, livelihoods, shelter, sanitation, and other emergency relief assistance.
There is an increased presence of desert locusts in areas of central and eastern Yemen following higher than average rainfall since November 2015. Food security and agriculture actors are conducting assessments and preparing response interventions as, in the coming months, infestations are projected to increase due to the recent rainfall and to continue moving inland from the southern coast.