Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of arming paramilitary forces in the country’s ongoing civil war. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been fighting against Sudan’s army and are facing allegations of ethnic war crimes. The Sudanese ambassador to the UN claimed to have evidence of weapons supplied by the UAE and stated that they would be submitting a file to the International Criminal Court. The UAE ambassador denied these accusations, calling them “ludicrous” and accusing Sudan of trying to distract from violations occurring on the ground.
The United States and Saudi Arabia attempted to revive ceasefire talks in Jeddah, a meeting that Sudan refused to participate in, further complicating efforts to end the conflict. Aid agencies have expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, warning that the country is on the brink of the world’s largest hunger crisis. However, all warring factions have been accused of blocking aid, exacerbating the situation. The UN report from January indicated that there was credible evidence of the UAE arming the RSF through Chad, a claim that was vehemently denied by the UAE.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the RSF has resulted in thousands of casualties, injuries, and displacements. The situation has escalated into all-out war, with millions of people being affected by the violence. UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee warned of atrocities being committed along ethnic lines in Darfur, stressing the need for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. The RSF’s siege of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, is of particular concern as it is the last army stronghold in the region.
El-Fasher, with a population of 1.8 million, has been under siege by the RSF, putting civilians at risk and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The city’s situation is reminiscent of the genocide and war crimes that occurred in Darfur about two decades ago, when Arab militias targeted Black ethnic minority groups. The UNSC recently passed a resolution demanding that the RSF cease its siege of el-Fasher and withdraw fighters threatening the safety of civilians. There is a pressing need to address the escalating violence, protect civilians, and prevent further atrocities in Darfur.
The tensions between Sudan and the UAE at the UN Security Council highlight the complexities of the conflict in Sudan and the involvement of external forces. Accusations of arms supply and ethnic war crimes underscore the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a ceasefire to protect civilians and alleviate suffering. The international community must take decisive action to address the crisis in Sudan and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations. The future of the country’s stability and the well-being of its people rely on swift and effective measures to end the violence and promote peace.
