Yemen – Deadly stampede in Sanaa during food distribution (20 April 2023)

France offers its condolences to the families of the victims of yesterday’s accident in Sanaa, in which a stampede left at least 85 people dead and hundreds injured. This tragedy underscores the urgent need to end the suffering and the humanitarian crisis experienced by the Yemeni people by resolving the conflict in Yemen.

France commends the efforts by Saudi Arabia and Oman to bring about a comprehensive ceasefire and to revive political negotiations between the Yemeni government and the Houthis under the auspices of the UN. France particularly applauds the positive dynamic that led to the recent release of more than 900 prisoners, notably thanks to the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN.

France reaffirms its full support for the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, whose efforts are vital to achieving a comprehensive political settlement – the only way to bring about a lasting peace and to end the civil war that has been ravaging the country for more than eight years. To that end, France calls on all the parties, particularly the Houthis, to negotiate in good faith.