Sudan Accuses UAE of Arming Paramilitary Forces Amid 14-Month Civil War, Sparking UN Clash
Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of arming a paramilitary force in the country’s 14-month civil war, prompting a clash at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, Sudan’s UN ambassador, accused the UAE late on Tuesday of arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been fighting Sudan’s army since April 2023 and faces accusations of ethnic war crimes. The Sudanese envoy stated that Khartoum has evidence of the weapons supply and announced that his government would submit a file on UAE actions to the International Criminal Court.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said he had urged the council to “walk the extra mile by naming and shaming the United Arab Emirates.” The seriousness of these accusations highlights the escalating tensions and complex international dimensions of the Sudanese civil war.
Sitting next to Mohamed at the horseshoe-shaped Security Council table, UAE Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab called Sudan’s charge “ludicrous” and designed to distract from “grave violations that are happening on the ground.” This sharp rebuttal from the UAE underscores the contentious nature of the allegations and the broader geopolitical implications.
Last stronghold
“If they seek an end to the conflict and civilian suffering, then why won’t they come to the Jeddah talks? Why are they blocking aid? What are you waiting for?” Abushahab asked, challenging Sudan’s commitment to peace and humanitarian efforts. His questions point to the stalled peace process and the broader international efforts to mediate an end to the conflict.
In May, the United States and Saudi Arabia sought to resurrect ceasefire talks in Jeddah that stalled last year due to alleged violations of agreements on both sides. Despite these efforts, Sudan refused to participate, illustrating the deep mistrust and complex political dynamics at play. This refusal also signals the challenges faced by international mediators in facilitating a resolution.
Aid agencies, which have warned that Sudan is on the brink of the world’s largest hunger crisis, have said aid is being blocked by all of the warring factions in the country. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by these blockades, highlighting the dire need for a ceasefire and unhindered aid delivery to millions of affected civilians.
In January, a UN report compiled for the UNSC said it had “credible” evidence that the UAE had sent weapons to the RSF “several times per week” via Amdjarass in northern Chad. The UAE denied the accusation, further complicating the international response to the crisis. The conflicting reports and denials reflect the murky and often covert nature of foreign involvement in the conflict.
More than 14,000 people have been killed, 33,000 injured, and 10 million people displaced since long-simmering tensions between the Sudanese armed forces and the RSF turned into all-out war last year, according to the UN. These staggering figures illustrate the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for international intervention.
The dispute at the UN on Tuesday came as UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee warned that atrocities are being committed along ethnic lines in western Sudan’s Darfur region. She stressed the need to “prevent further atrocities, protect critical infrastructure and alleviate civilian suffering” through an immediate ceasefire in el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which is being besieged by the RSF. Her warning underscores the severity of the situation and the potential for further ethnic violence and humanitarian disaster.
The city of 1.8 million people is the last army stronghold in the Darfur region, which became synonymous with genocide and war crimes about two decades ago when Arab militias that later formed the RSF killed up to 300,000 members of Black ethnic minority groups and displaced millions. The historical context adds a layer of complexity and urgency to the current conflict, as the region’s past atrocities loom large over present events.
The UNSC last week approved a resolution demanding the RSF halt its siege of el-Fasher and withdraw all fighters who threaten the safety and security of civilians. This resolution represents a significant step by the international community to address the immediate threats to civilian lives and infrastructure, but its implementation remains uncertain amid ongoing hostilities.
The allegations against the UAE, the ongoing humanitarian crisis, and the historical context of violence in Darfur all contribute to a multifaceted and deeply troubling situation in Sudan. The international community’s efforts to mediate and provide humanitarian assistance are critical, yet fraught with challenges and obstacles.