UAE Accuses Sudanese Army of Attacking Ambassador’s Residence

The United Arab Emirates accused the Sudanese army of bombing its ambassador’s residence in Khartoum, intending to file a complaint with the UN and regional organizations. The UAE claimed that a military aircraft conducted the attack, causing significant damage, and marked it as a violation of diplomatic premises. The accusation adds to the already strained relations between UAE and Sudan since the conflict began, with both sides exchanging allegations of support for paramilitary factions.

On September 29, 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) formally accused the Sudanese army of bombing its ambassador’s residence in Khartoum. The UAE’s foreign ministry reported that the airstrike, conducted by a Sudanese military aircraft, resulted in significant damage to the diplomatic premises. In light of this event, the UAE announced its intention to submit a formal complaint to various international organizations including the United Nations and the League of Arab States. The ministry emphasized that such an attack constitutes a blatant infringement on the inviolability of diplomatic properties. While the exact timing of the incident was not disclosed, it is known that since the eruption of hostilities between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, all foreign diplomatic missions had evacuated Khartoum, relocating primarily to Port Sudan. In the ongoing conflict, the Sudanese army has engaged in considerable military operations against the RSF. It has leveled accusations against the RSF for acts of looting and attacking foreign embassies. Consequently, relations between the UAE and Sudan have soured significantly, with the Sudanese army alleging that the UAE provides support to the RSF—a claim that the UAE has vehemently denied. In the wake of escalating tensions, the UAE’s ambassador to Sudan had already departed the country following the onset of fighting, although the embassy continues to operate in Port Sudan. Furthermore, Sudan has proactively lodged a complaint with the UN Security Council, alleging that it possesses evidence of UAE military assistance to the RSF through Chad, a claim the UAE has denounced as baseless. Additionally, earlier this year, both countries had expelled diplomats in a display of rising animosity between them.

The diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Sudan have experienced severe strain since armed conflict broke out in Sudan in April 2023, leading to a withdrawal of foreign diplomats from the capital, Khartoum. The fighting primarily involves the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), both of which have leveled accusations against one another regarding attacks on diplomatic missions and foreign interests. The UAE, which has been accused by Sudan of supporting the RSF, has denied these claims, stating that they are unfounded. The unfolding dynamics in Sudan involve not only internal strife but also international implications, particularly concerning allegations of arms supplies and breaches of diplomatic protocol.

The recent accusation by the UAE against the Sudanese army highlights the deteriorating diplomatic relations amidst ongoing hostilities in Sudan. The UAE’s intention to file complaints with international bodies underscores the significance of maintaining the inviolability of diplomatic missions. As both countries engage in mutual accusations of support for opposing military factions, the situation remains precarious, with potential implications for wider regional stability and international diplomatic relations.

Original Source: sudantribune.com