UN Security Council Extends Red Sea Houthi Reporting as Somalia Warns on Sovereignty Risks

GOOBJOOG NEWS| NEW YORK: The UN Security Council has adopted a new resolution extending the Secretary-General’s monthly reporting on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea for another six months, as members again underscored concerns over threats to commercial shipping and global supply chains.

Somalia’s representative, speaking in a national capacity while holding the Council presidency for January, said instability in the Red Sea has consequences well beyond the region and is closely tied to global peace and prosperity. He called for full respect for the sovereignty of Red Sea coastal States and neighbouring countries, and rejected Israel’s recent decision to recognize what he described as a breakaway faction in Somalia, warning it could set a dangerous precedent.

Resolution 2812 (2026) was adopted by a vote of 13 in favour, none against, with China and the Russian Federation abstaining. The measure recalls previous Council decisions on Yemen and maritime security — including resolution 2722 (2024) — and extends the request for written monthly reports on any further Houthi attacks in the Red Sea until 15 July 2026.

The United States, a lead negotiator on the text alongside Greece, said the resolution reinforces the Council’s duty to remain vigilant against what it described as a Houthi “terrorist threat” to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways. Washington also stressed that all UN Member States are obligated to implement UN sanctions on the Houthis, including preventing the transfer of arms and dual-use items that could support Houthi weapons programmes.

Greece warned the security environment in the Red Sea remains “extremely volatile,” pointing to recent developments in southern Yemen and Somalia. It said shipping companies are increasingly diverting vessels onto longer and more costly routes to reduce risk, adding that restoring confidence in key international maritime corridors remains essential.

China and Russia questioned the value of extending the monitoring. Russia said the “technical rollover” added little, noting no incidents had been recorded since September 2025 and arguing attacks were closely linked to the Gaza conflict. China echoed concerns that earlier military action against Yemen escalated tensions and said the Council could now focus on other peace and security issues.