The United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has condemned the Houthi group’s recent issuance of new currency as a violation of the economic de-escalation understandings reached between Yemeni parties in July 2024.

In a statement released Thursday, Grundberg expressed deep concern over the Houthis’ unilateral decision to mint 50-rial coins and print 200-rial banknotes, warning that such actions threaten to undermine Yemen’s fragile economy and deepen institutional and monetary divisions.

“These unilateral measures are not a viable solution to liquidity challenges,” Grundberg said. “They risk eroding trust, destabilizing financial frameworks, and complicating efforts to restore economic stability.”

The envoy urged all parties to refrain from unilateral steps and instead pursue coordinated approaches that foster dialogue and support broader stabilization efforts. He emphasized the need to prioritize restoring confidence, strengthening institutions, and delivering tangible relief to the Yemeni population.

The currency issuance comes despite a UN-mediated agreement in 2024 that called for halting all economic escalations and maintaining neutrality in financial policy as part of a broader roadmap for de-escalation.