Oman, the host of the latest round of UN-sponsored prisoner swap negotiations between Yemen’s government and the Houthi group, expressed hope for positive outcomes. Government negotiator Majid Fadael emphasized the unconditional release of all prisoners and called for the inclusion of political figure Mohamed Qahtan in any deal with the Houthis. Qahtan, detained by the Houthis in 2015, remains missing, with his family unaware of his condition.
Since the 2018 consultations in Stockholm, both sides have provided lists totaling over 15,000 prisoners and detainees for potential exchange. In 2023, facilitated by the Red Cross and the UN in Switzerland, around 900 detainees were exchanged, showing a glimpse of progress in a conflict that has plagued Yemen for almost a decade.
The relative calm in Yemen since April 2022 indicates a slight shift in the ongoing conflict. Consistent efforts towards prisoner swaps offer a glimmer of hope for families awaiting the return of their loved ones amidst the chaos of war.