Sudan Requests Emergency UN Security Council Meeting Over Alleged UAE “Aggression
Sudan has raised the alarm, calling for immediate international intervention to address what it perceives as unwarranted aggression from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The nation has taken a bold step by formally requesting an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council to deliberate on its concerns regarding the UAE’s alleged support for paramilitary groups operating within Sudan.
The genesis of these tensions lies in a complex and protracted conflict that erupted in April of the preceding year. This conflict pits Sudan’s regular armed forces, under the leadership of Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary entity led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, Sudan’s former deputy. Sudan has consistently accused the UAE of providing clandestine support to the RSF, an assertion vehemently denied by Abu Dhabi.
The formal request for a Security Council meeting was confirmed by Sudan’s official news agency, SUNA, with Al-Harith Idriss, Sudan’s UN representative, identified as the petitioner. Idriss underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the alleged complicity of the UAE in bolstering what Sudan categorizes as “terrorist militia.”
In response to Sudan’s allegations, the UAE Foreign Ministry swiftly issued a letter to the Security Council, refuting the claims as baseless and devoid of evidence. The UAE maintains a steadfast position of non-interference in Sudanese internal affairs and categorically denies any support for paramilitary factions.
Amidst these diplomatic exchanges, the Security Council has expressed profound concern over the escalating violence in Sudan’s volatile North Darfur region. Heightened tensions have raised fears of a potential offensive by the RSF and allied militias on El Fasher, the state capital. This city remains a critical bastion of government control and serves as a vital sanctuary for displaced populations fleeing conflict.
United Nations officials, including Volker Turk, the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, have underscored the grave humanitarian implications of further military escalation. There are genuine apprehensions regarding increased civilian casualties, exacerbation of famine conditions, and the mass displacement of vulnerable populations.
The conflict in Sudan has exacted a heavy toll, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement of millions. Against this backdrop, the international community closely monitors developments, with growing calls for diplomatic intervention to prevent further escalation and address the underlying causes of the conflict.
In previous instances, Khartoum has taken decisive measures against perceived UAE interference, including the expulsion of Emirati diplomats and public protests demanding the removal of the UAE ambassador. Reports of weapons found aboard UAE cargo planes destined for Sudanese refugees have further strained diplomatic relations, eliciting swift denials from Abu Dhabi.