Sudan accuses the UAE of genocide complicity related to support for the Rapid Support Forces during the civil war. Despite UAE denials, it is alleged to seek regional influence and resource access, with complicated ties to Sudan’s military. The situation raises questions about the UAE’s role and potential reputation damage amid international scrutiny.
Sudan has filed a complaint against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of complicity in genocide amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The UAE is alleged by Sudan to support the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in a violent conflict with the regular Sudanese army, accusations that the UAE vehemently denies.
Sudan, one of Africa’s largest nations, possesses significant natural resources, including fertile agricultural lands and valuable minerals such as gold, which it ranks as the continent’s third-largest producer. Geographically, Sudan has strategic connections as it borders Libya and features a coastline along the Red Sea, which is vital for oil shipping routes.
The civil turmoil intensified in 2021 when Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, executed a coup with his deputy Hemeti, leader of the RSF. By 2023, combat emerged between these two military leaders. Various nations, including the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and Russia, have been implicated in bolstering one faction or the other in this escalating conflict.
According to Middle East security analyst Andreas Krieg, the UAE’s primary goal in Sudan involves exerting political influence over this strategically significant nation. Emirati companies regard Sudan as a critical venue for investments in sectors such as natural resources and mineral trading. Furthermore, Sudanese researcher Hamid Khalafallah highlighted the UAE’s interest in acquiring vital resources, especially with regard to its lack of minerals and agricultural land.
Swissaid, a development group, reported a significant portion of African gold exports to the UAE—estimated at 66.5 percent in 2022—were illicitly smuggled. The UAE has emerged as a principal buyer of gold from Sudan, primarily under the control of RSF commander Daglo. Additionally, professor Federico Donelli from Italy underscored that characterizing the UAE’s interests solely around gold would be overly simplistic, as it is also focused on countering Saudi Arabia’s influence in the region and combating political Islam, which threatens its national security.
The UAE’s historical ties with Sudan’s military date back to their cooperation during the Yemen civil conflict that began in 2015. While Burhan led Sudanese troops aligned with Saudi Arabia, Daglo’s RSF had worked alongside the UAE’s forces. Post-conflict rifts emerged between the Gulf states, with allegations of the UAE supporting Daglo, creating friction with Saudi objectives.
The RSF’s ideological alignment, comprising stances against the banned Muslim Brotherhood political movement, further establishes its divergence from the Sudanese army that is tied to the prior Islamist regime. Both factions in the conflict have faced serious accusations of committing war crimes, resulting in significant fatalities and displacements among civilians.
In January, American authorities accused the RSF of genocidal actions against ethnic groups, amidst claims that the UAE had failed to fulfill agreements regarding military support for RSF. Analysis reveals Daglo’s financial operations are heavily dependent on the UAE, further deepening their ties.
The UAE has categorically rejected the allegations and dismissed Sudan’s ICJ complaint as a mere publicity tactic, asserting intentions to have it dismissed. Although ICJ judgments are binding, enforcement remains a challenge. Observers note potential reputational damage to the UAE should the case gain traction, but its substantial political and financial influence may insulate it from serious consequences.
In summary, the United Arab Emirates is accused of complicity in genocide in Sudan due to its alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces amidst the ongoing civil conflict. Despite these accusations, the UAE maintains its denial of involvement and describes the legal claims as exaggerated. The situation underscores the UAE’s complex strategic interests in Sudan, which include access to significant natural resources, influencing regional power dynamics, and combating ideologies perceived as threats to its stability.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
