Nigeria Urges Dialogue, Peaceful Resolution Of Houthi-Saudi Arabia Crisis

The Nigerian Government has expressed deep concerns over the increasing hostilities between the Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of Houthi attacks on two Saudi Arabia oil facilities on Sunday in retaliation of Friday’s attacks on Houthi area by Saudi forces.

The Nigerian government made this call through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesman, Kimiebi Ebienfa  and urged the two sides to embrace dialogue and peaceful means of resolving of  the crisis in order to deescalate the situation.

Part of the statement read, “The federal government of Nigeria notes with deep concern the ongoing tensions and reported attacks involving the Houthi militia in Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Nigeria strongly calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate the situation, and refrain from any further actions that could inflame hostilities or endanger civilian lives and regional peace and stability.

“The federal government urges the parties concerned to prioritise dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful means of resolving differences in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. Nigeria believes that any further escalation of the conflict risks undermining regional security and stability.”

The Nigerian government also reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and expresses its readiness to support all genuine and constructive efforts aimed at reducing tensions, restoring calm and promoting lasting peace and stability in the region.

On Sunday Houthi forces in Yemen fired missiles and drones at two of Saudi Arabia’s most strategically important oil facilities on the Red Sea, in a major escalation of the latest simmering regional conflict to be reignited by the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Last Monday, the Houthis declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, and late on Friday the Saudis launched air strikes on the Houthi-held city of Hodeidah.