The Federal Government has called for the immediate de-escalation of the escalating tensions between the Houthi militia in Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint and embrace dialogue to avert further deterioration of security in the Middle East.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, amid renewed hostilities that have heightened concerns over regional peace, security and stability.
Expressing deep concern over the reported attacks involving the Houthi militia and Saudi Arabia, the Federal Government warned that any further escalation could endanger civilian lives, worsen the humanitarian situation and undermine efforts to promote lasting peace in the region.
“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 ministry said.
The government stressed that diplomacy remains the most effective means of resolving disputes, urging all parties to pursue constructive engagement in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
According to the ministry, peaceful dialogue is essential to achieving a sustainable resolution to the crisis and preventing further instability in the region.
“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,” the statement added.
The ministry further cautioned that continued hostilities could have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate parties, threatening regional cooperation, economic activities and humanitarian conditions across the Middle East.
It warned that an escalation of the conflict would further undermine efforts aimed at preserving regional security and stability.
“Nigeria believes that any further escalation of the conflict risks undermining regional security and stability,” the ministry stated.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, the Federal Government said it remains ready to support all credible international efforts aimed at easing tensions and restoring stability.
The ministry noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy continues to prioritise dialogue, mediation and multilateral cooperation as the preferred tools for resolving international conflicts.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria therefore reaffirms 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,” the statement said.
The government reiterated that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue and mutual understanding, urging all stakeholders to refrain from actions capable of worsening the conflict or putting innocent civilians at greater risk.
Nigeria also reaffirmed its support for international efforts to promote peace, stability and respect for international law, stressing that diplomacy remains the surest path to resolving the crisis and preventing further instability in the Middle East.