UK’s UAE Invitation for Sudan Conference Sparks Outcry from Sudanese Officials

The UK has invited the UAE to a London conference on Sudan’s conflict, excluding the Sudanese army government, leading to widespread outrage among Sudanese officials. The inclusion of the UAE, accused of supplying arms to the RSF, raises concerns over the integrity of the conference and its objectives for fostering peace. Sudan’s government perceives this move as undermining their role in the conflict while actively pursuing legal actions against the UAE for alleged genocide involvement.

The United Kingdom’s recent decision to invite the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to an upcoming conference in London regarding the conflict in Sudan has incited significant backlash from the Sudanese army government. Notably, neither the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) nor the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been extended an invitation to the conference scheduled for April 15, 2024, as confirmed by a document shared with Middle East Eye.

Sudanese officials express strong dissatisfaction with the Emirati presence, given that the UAE has reportedly provided military support to the RSF throughout the ongoing war. The Sudanese foreign ministry criticized their exclusion, labeling it as unjust when the UAE, a participant in the conflict, received an invitation. The communiqué clearly states that this approach disregards the complexities of the situation, highlighting irony in the UAE’s involvement while claiming neutrality.

This upcoming conference aims to engage states and international bodies interested in fostering peace in Sudan. However, the Sudanese government perceives the UAE’s inclusion as a superficial attempt to enhance its international image during a period marked by allegations of genocide in Sudan. The Sudanese government has articulated concerns that the UAE’s participation renders the conference merely a public relations exercise.

The UK has also invited other nations with vested interests in the conflict, including Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. These countries are generally seen as favoring the SAF over the RSF. Concurrently, Sudan has sought legal recourse against the UAE at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its alleged complicity in genocide.

The UAE’s foreign minister, Anwar Gargash, responded critically to Sudan’s developments, suggesting that the Sudanese government should prioritize immediate ceasefire efforts over what he describes as disinformation campaigns. Moreover, the U.S. government has identified the RSF and affiliated militias as having committed acts of genocide, particularly towards marginalized groups such as the Masalit.

Sudan’s diplomatic relations with the UK seemed to be improving following recent engagements, with UK Foreign Minister David Lammy confirming the importance of Sudanese issues. Diplomatic exchanges had led prior officials to conclude that the UK viewed the SAF-RSF dynamics less symmetrically. However, the UN’s exclusion from the April conference ignited concerns about the UK’s stance and capacity to advance genuine discussions towards a resolution in Sudan.

Experts have expressed skepticism regarding the conference’s potential effectiveness. Cameron Hudson, a former U.S. official, asserted that practical solutions are necessary for conflict resolution rather than merely token inclusivity. Conversations around the role of the UAE highlight broader implications for peace efforts, especially concerning the exclusion of key parties from discussions aimed at ending the conflict.

The UK’s decision to include the UAE in an upcoming conference while omitting the Sudanese armed government has provoked serious contention from Sudanese officials. This situation reflects a wider diplomatic challenge, as the actions may hinder efforts to achieve a durable solution to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The confluence of tensions surrounding the UAE’s alleged complicity in the war and Sudan’s international legal efforts against it complicate the dynamics further, highlighting the necessity for inclusive dialogue in peace processes.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net