UN Security Council Extends Yemen’s Hodeidah Mission Until 2027

The United Nations Security Council voted on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, to extend the mandate of the United Nations Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) for an additional year. The decision underscores the international community's commitment to maintaining the fragile truce in Yemen’s vital port city, which serves as the primary gateway for humanitarian aid and commercial goods.

Stability in the Red Sea Hub The extension aims to bolster the monitoring of the ceasefire in Hodeidah, as outlined in the 2018 Stockholm Agreement. UNMHA’s presence is considered crucial for preventing a return to full-scale military confrontation in the region, particularly as regional tensions continue to impact Red Sea maritime security.

The resolution calls on all Yemeni parties—the internationally recognized government and the Houthi movement—to cooperate fully with the mission. This includes ensuring the safety and freedom of movement for UN personnel and removing any bureaucratic obstacles that hinder the mission's ability to patrol the ports of Hodeidah, Salif, and Ras Issa.

Focus on Demining and Humanitarian Access In addition to ceasefire monitoring, the renewed mandate emphasizes the urgent need for mine-clearing operations. Hodeidah remains one of the most heavily landmined regions in Yemen, posing a constant threat to civilians and humanitarian convoys. The UN Security Council urged the mission to expand its technical support for demining efforts to facilitate safer access for aid organizations.

A Path Toward a Comprehensive Solution While the Hodeidah Agreement is a localized deal, the Security Council viewed this extension as a necessary building block for a broader national political settlement. UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, welcomed the decision, stating that a stable Hodeidah is essential for the success of ongoing negotiations aimed at a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire across the country.

International observers note that the mission's success depends heavily on the political will of the warring parties and the reduction of regional maritime escalations that have recently complicated the Yemeni peace process.