Full Breakdown
UAE's Role in Sudan's Civil War Under Scrutiny
11/28/2025, 11:50:50 PM
Overview of the Conflict
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which erupted on April 15, 2023, has pitted the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. This conflict has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and displaced more than 12 million people, creating what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
Allegations Against the UAE
Human rights organizations and Sudanese officials have accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of exacerbating the conflict by allegedly supplying arms to the RSF. Reports indicate that European-made weapons have been found in RSF supply convoys, raising concerns about the UAE's compliance with the UN arms embargo on Sudan. Despite these allegations, the UAE government has consistently denied any involvement, asserting that there is no evidence linking it to the RSF or the conflict.
European Parliament's Response
The European Parliament recently passed a resolution condemning the violence in Sudan but notably omitted any mention of the UAE's alleged role. This decision followed intense lobbying by Emirati officials, including Minister Lana Nusseibeh, who argued that the UAE is committed to peace in Sudan. Some members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called for an end to trade negotiations with the UAE until the allegations of arms transfers are addressed. Dutch MEP Marit Maij stated, "We will call on the European Commission to stop the trade negotiations with the UAE for as long as we see that weapons are going through the UAE to the RSF."
Criticism of the UAE's Actions
Lieutenant General Yasser al-Atta, a senior member of Sudan’s governing Sovereignty Council, has accused the UAE of instigating a "race war" against the Sudanese people by supporting the RSF. He claims that the RSF has committed numerous atrocities, including mass killings and ethnic cleansing, particularly targeting non-Arab communities. Atta asserted that the UAE's involvement is part of a broader strategy to reshape Sudan's demographic landscape, stating, "The RSF is just a tool in the hands of the Emirates."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the UAE denies any involvement in the conflict, various reports from human rights organizations and UN experts suggest otherwise. A leaked UN report indicated that sophisticated weapons were smuggled into Darfur via the UAE, while Amnesty International has documented the RSF's use of these arms in committing war crimes. The discrepancy between the UAE's denials and the findings of international bodies raises questions about the extent of its involvement.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the allegations, Lana Nusseibeh stated, "The UAE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to support all endeavors to address this catastrophic civil war." However, the UAE's official communications have not addressed the specific claims of arms transfers to the RSF.
What's Next?
As the humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the European Parliament is set to vote on measures aimed at increasing aid to the country. Additionally, there are calls for a crackdown on the international trade of gold and minerals from Sudan, which are believed to finance militia factions. The ongoing conflict and the UAE's alleged role in it remain critical issues for international diplomacy and humanitarian efforts in the region.
