Somalia's President Says Houthis Cannot Lead Yemen Peace Process

Somalia's president has dismissed suggestions that the Houthi movement could play a constructive role in achieving peace in Yemen, asserting that the group is not positioned to lead such efforts. The statement underscores deepening regional tensions over the militant organization's influence in the Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula.

The Somali leader cited the Houthis' track record of destabilizing activities across the region as evidence they cannot be a credible peace broker. He pointed particularly to the group's disruption of maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's most critical shipping lanes connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.

The comments reflect broader diplomatic concerns among regional governments about the Houthi movement's military capabilities and regional ambitions. The strait, situated between Yemen and Djibouti, is essential for international commerce and has been subject to repeated disruptions attributed to Houthi operations.

Somalia's position aligns with other regional and international actors who have expressed reservations about the Houthis' involvement in Yemen peace negotiations. The remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue to address the humanitarian crisis and political instability that has characterized Yemen for years.