The conflict in Sudan, which has escalated into a 14-month civil war, has seen accusations of external interference, particularly from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Sudan’s UN ambassador, Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, accused the UAE of providing arms to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in the conflict against Sudan’s national army. These accusations have intensified the conflict and prompted a heated exchange at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The UNSC had previously reported in January 2024 that there was credible evidence indicating the UAE supplied weapons to the RSF through routes in northern Chad. These supplies were reportedly delivered several times per week. Despite these findings, the UAE has consistently denied these allegations, calling them “ludicrous” and an attempt to divert attention from the violations occurring within Sudan.
This accusation has further complicated international efforts to mediate and resolve the conflict. The UAE’s UN Ambassador, Mohamed Abushahab, challenged Sudan’s claims, questioning why Sudan’s government has refused to participate in ceasefire talks in Jeddah, which were facilitated by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The situation on the ground in Sudan remains dire, with over 14,000 deaths, 33,000 injuries, and 10 million people displaced. Aid agencies have warned that the country is on the brink of one of the world’s largest hunger crises, exacerbated by blocked aid deliveries from all warring factions.
In Darfur, the conflict has taken on ethnic dimensions, with atrocities reportedly being committed along ethnic lines. UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee called for an immediate ceasefire in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, where the RSF has besieged the city, the last stronghold of the Sudanese army in the region.
The UNSC has passed resolutions demanding the RSF halt its siege of el-Fasher and urging all parties to prevent further atrocities, protect critical infrastructure, and alleviate civilian suffering. The international community continues to call for an end to external interference and compliance with arms embargoes to help de-escalate the conflict.
