The conflict between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) took a new turn when the UAE accused Sudan’s army of attacking the residence of their diplomat in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. The UAE claimed that a Sudanese army aircraft carried out an airstrike that severely damaged the building where the head of the UAE diplomatic mission was staying. This accusation comes amidst a heated conflict, with Sudan blaming the UAE for secretly supporting a rebel group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been fighting against Sudan’s government for over two years.
The UAE’s Foreign Ministry responded strongly, condemning the attack as cowardly and urging Sudan’s army to take full responsibility. The UAE said it would file a formal protest with major international organizations like the United Nations and the African Union, as the attack violates international laws that protect diplomatic missions.
The situation is further complicated by reports that the UAE is secretly helping the RSF by providing weapons and using drones disguised as part of humanitarian missions. According to sources, the UAE has been operating under the guise of humanitarian aid through the Red Crescent, a well-known symbol of relief work. They’ve allegedly been using an airport near the Sudanese border to launch drones and smuggle weapons to the RSF, giving the rebels an upper hand in the ongoing conflict.
For the past two and a half years, Sudan’s government has been accusing the UAE of financially supporting the RSF rebels, and this latest incident has deepened the distrust between the two nations. The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has been locked in fierce battles with Sudan’s regular army since April 2023. Both sides have been engaged in a media war, constantly pushing out contradictory claims about their victories on the battlefield.
The ongoing violence has had devastating effects on Sudan’s people. The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that if the fighting continues, it could lead to outbreaks of disease and the collapse of the country’s already fragile healthcare system. The United Nations estimates that over 10 million people have been forced to flee their homes, adding to the humanitarian crisis.
Despite the chaos, there have been hints that Sudan’s warring factions might be open to peace talks. However, the situation remains unstable, with many questioning whether a lasting resolution can be reached anytime soon, especially with external players like the UAE being accused of fueling the conflict in secret.
