UAE’s Role in Sudanese Conflict: Allegations and Strategic Interests

Sudan has alleged the UAE’s complicity in genocide through support for the RSF amid ongoing civil conflict. The UAE denies these claims while emphasizing its strategic interests in Sudan, known for its natural resources. The relationship stems from cooperation during the Yemen conflict and includes ideological alignment against political Islam. The UAE plans to contest the allegations at the International Court of Justice.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) finds itself in the midst of international scrutiny following Sudan’s accusation of its complicity in genocide, presented to the International Court of Justice. These allegations highlight the UAE’s alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been embroiled in civil conflict with Sudan’s regular army for nearly two years. The UAE has consistently denied these claims.

Sudan’s importance to the UAE stems primarily from its rich natural resources, including agricultural lands, gas, and significant gold production, making Sudan the third-largest producer of gold in Africa. Geopolitically, Sudan’s strategic location adjacent to Libya and along the Red Sea routes enhances its relevance, particularly for oil shipping. The UAE has vested interests in Sudan for political influence and resource investment, according to experts in Middle Eastern security.

The relationship between the UAE and Sudan has further developed since 2015, when Sudan joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. High-ranking Sudanese military leaders, including Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, have received support from Emirati troops. Despite historical alliances, growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have led to accusations that the UAE is strategically backing Daglo and the RSF against Saudi objectives.

Analysts have identified ideological and resource-based motivations for the UAE’s involvement. The RSF’s suppression of the Muslim Brotherhood aligns with UAE interests in countering political Islam, which it views as a security threat. The RSF has been linked to numerous war crimes in Sudan amid the country’s ongoing conflict, and the US has pointedly accused the RSF of genocide and other human rights violations.

In response to the accusations, the UAE has dismissed Sudan’s case against it as mere publicity, asserting it will seek to have the situation dismissed at the International Court of Justice. Despite the court’s rulings being legally binding, enforcement avenues are limited. Though there may be reputational ramifications for the UAE, experts suggest its financial and political leverage will likely mitigate any severe outcomes.

In summary, the UAE’s involvement in Sudan reflects a complex intersection of geopolitical interests, particularly in resource acquisition and political influence. Despite Sudan’s serious allegations of genocide against the UAE regarding support for the RSF, the UAE remains adamant in its denial and is poised to challenge these claims. The implications of this situation extend beyond regional dynamics, potentially affecting the UAE’s international reputation.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com