UAE and Sudan Exchange Accusations Following Attack on Ambassador’s Residence
On September 30, 2024, the UAE accused the Sudanese army of bombing its ambassador’s residence in Khartoum, causing extensive damage. The Sudanese military denied the allegations, attributing the attack to the RSF, a paramilitary organization allegedly backed by the UAE. This incident highlights the ongoing tension resulting from the civil war in Sudan and recent UN findings regarding UAE’s involvement.
On September 30, 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) publicly accused the Sudanese armed forces of bombing the residence of its ambassador in Khartoum. The UAE’s foreign ministry issued a statement detailing the extensive damage inflicted upon the building and condemned the incident as a “heinous attack” initiated by a Sudanese military aircraft. The ministry called upon the Sudanese army to assume full responsibility for this act, labeling it a gross violation of diplomatic premises’ inviolability. In response, the Sudanese army refuted these accusations and instead placed responsibility on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group which the Sudanese government claims to have received support from the UAE throughout the ongoing civil conflict that has afflicted Sudan for over 17 months. The Sudanese military emphasized its commitment to avoiding the targeting of diplomatic missions, United Nations bodies, or humanitarian organizations, and criticized the RSF for engaging in what it described as “heinous and cowardly actions”. The broader context includes a UN Security Council report from January 2024, which presented credible evidence suggesting that the UAE has provided arms to the RSF since the commencement of the civil war. Furthermore, the UN reports indicate the devastating toll of the civil war, with over 14,000 individuals deceased, around 33,000 injured, and nearly 25 million people requiring humanitarian assistance in Sudan.
The accusations exchanged between the UAE and Sudan arise from a prolonged military conflict that began in Sudan in April 2023, which has escalated into a humanitarian crisis affecting millions. The RSF has become dominant in much of Khartoum, leading to increased tensions and violence between it and the Sudanese army. The UAE’s alleged support for the RSF has been a point of contention, with allegations of arms supplies contributing to the conflict and chaos in the region. The ongoing hostilities have prompted serious international concern as the situation continues to deteriorate, impacting local civilians drastically.
The recent dispute over the bombing of the UAE ambassador’s residence highlights the increasingly fragile relations between the UAE and Sudan amidst a brutal internal conflict. Accusations of military aggression and support for controversial paramilitary groups further complicate the dynamics of the crisis, significantly impacting diplomatic relations and the humanitarian situation in Sudan.
Original Source: www.dw.com
