Sudan has officially severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accusing the Gulf state of backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country’s ongoing civil war. The dramatic move was announced by Sudan’s Defence Minister, Yassin Ibrahim, who described the UAE’s involvement as a “proxy role” in support of the RSF, following recent attacks on Port Sudan — a city long considered one of the few remaining safe zones.
Sudan’s decision includes the immediate closure of its diplomatic missions in the UAE and the recall of its ambassador from Abu Dhabi. The UAE, however, has strongly denied all allegations, rejecting claims of military, financial, and political backing for the RSF.
The civil conflict, which erupted last year, has spiraled into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe, leaving thousands dead and forcing millions to flee their homes. Port Sudan, which had been serving as a critical hub for humanitarian relief and government operations, has now come under direct threat. Recent drone strikes targeting key infrastructure have raised alarms, with the Sudanese army blaming the RSF for the escalation. The RSF has yet to respond to the accusations.
In a related legal development, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently dismissed Sudan’s complaint accusing the UAE of complicity in genocide, citing procedural shortcomings. The court’s decision, while not addressing the merits of the claims, dealt a blow to Sudan’s efforts to internationalize its grievances against the Gulf nation.
Despite Sudan’s diplomatic fallout, the UAE’s Deputy Assistant Minister for Political Affairs has called for renewed international engagement to end the war. The UAE official emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian relief and a peaceful resolution, stating that the focus should remain on aiding the Sudanese people rather than inflaming geopolitical tensions.
Meanwhile, both the Sudanese army and the RSF continue to face mounting accusations of war crimes, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The conflict shows no sign of resolution as diplomatic and military confrontations deepen across the region.
Stay with AMN News Agency for ongoing coverage of the crisis in Sudan and developments in regional diplomacy.
