UAE’s Involvement in the Sudanese Conflict: An Overview

The UAE is accused by Sudan of complicity in genocide due to alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces amid the ongoing civil war. The UAE denies these allegations, claiming Sudan’s accusations are unfounded. Sudan’s wealth in natural resources, its strategic location, and the UAE’s intentions to counter Saudi influence contribute to this complex situation.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is facing accusations of complicity in genocide in Sudan, as outlined in a recent filing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Sudan alleges the UAE has aided the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amidst their prolonged conflict with the regular army. The UAE, however, firmly denies these allegations, positioning Sudan’s accusations as unfounded.

Sudan’s significance to the UAE stems from its vast natural resources, particularly its agricultural land, gas, and being Africa’s third-largest gold producer. The UAE’s interests in Sudan are further amplified by its strategic geographical location next to Libya, where the UAE supports rebel authorities, and its access to the Red Sea, which is vital for oil transportation.

The UAE’s involvement intensified after the 2021 coup led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemeti. Since then, conflict has escalated, with multiple powers, including the UAE, purportedly supporting different factions. Andreas Krieg of King’s College London states, “The primary goal for the UAE in Sudan has been about political influence in a strategically very important country.”

Emirati organizations view Sudan as a lucrative investment opportunity for resources and trade. Researcher Hamid Khalafallah noted the UAE’s need for foreign resources, as its own desert landscape limits its access to minerals and arable land. Furthermore, a report from the development group Swissaid highlighted that in 2022, 66.5% of African gold exports to the UAE were smuggled, reinforcing the UAE’s position in the global gold trade.

Despite perceptions that the UAE’s involvement is strictly about gold, Federico Donelli, an international relations professor, suggests that geopolitical motives are also significant. He notes that the UAE seeks to counter Saudi influence and curb the spread of political Islam, perceived as a security threat.

The UAE’s relationship with the RSF is shaped by their previous cooperation in Yemen, where Sudanese forces supported the Saudi-led coalition. Despite claims of support for the RSF being denied, there are allegations that this involvement serves to counter Saudi objectives, especially as the RSF aims to contain Islamist movements.

Both the RSF and Sudan’s army face allegations of war crimes as the conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Recent accusations from the United States claim that the RSF is committing genocide against ethnic groups. Additionally, lawmakers highlighted that the UAE had allegedly violated promises to withhold military aid to the RSF.

As Sudan’s legal action unfolds at the ICJ, the UAE has dismissed these claims as a “publicity stunt,” intending to have the case dismissed. While ICJ judgments are binding, their enforcement power is limited. The situation may tarnish the UAE’s reputation internationally, especially in Africa, as it increasingly faces the perception of being a destabilizing force, according to Donelli. However, the UAE’s political and financial power may mitigate any significant consequences from this case.

In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates is embroiled in a controversy surrounding its alleged complicity in the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, specifically in relation to its support for the Rapid Support Forces. As Sudan pursues legal action at the International Court of Justice, the UAE has rejected the accusations, branding them as unfounded. The geopolitical implications of this conflict highlight the UAE’s interests in the region, characterized by a quest for resources, political influence, and a desire to counter regional adversaries. The case underscores the complexity of foreign involvement in Sudan’s civil war and its potential ramifications for the UAE’s international standing.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com