The United Arab Emirates’ Role in Sudan’s Civil Conflict: Accusations and Implications

The UAE is accused by Sudan of complicity in genocide linked to the Rapid Support Forces in their civil war. The UAE’s interests include Sudan’s natural resources and geopolitical influence in the region. The ICJ case may damage the UAE’s reputation, but its financial power may provide immunity from serious consequences.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is under scrutiny for its alleged involvement in Sudan’s civil war, with Sudan accusing it of complicity in genocide before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The UAE is specifically charged with supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in their ongoing conflict against the Sudanese army, a claim that the UAE has publicly denied.

Sudan, one of Africa’s largest nations, is rich in resources such as agricultural land, gas, and gold. The UAE’s interests in Sudan stem from these resources, especially given the nation’s strategic location bordering Libya and its access to the Red Sea, an essential route for oil transportation. The geopolitical dynamics intensified after Sudanese army commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seized power in a 2021 coup.

The conflict escalated in 2023 with fighting between Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemeti. Experts like Andreas Krieg assert that the UAE’s objective in Sudan primarily centers on exerting political influence while seeking investment opportunities in the nation’s resource sector. Sudanese researcher Hamid Khalafallah emphasizes the UAE’s growing interest in acquiring vital resources that are scarce within its own territory.

The UAE has emerged as a global hub for gold trade, significantly impacting the Sudanese gold market, which is mainly controlled by Daglo. In 2022, reports indicated that over sixty-six percent of gold exports from Africa to the UAE were smuggled. Notably, though, Federico Donelli describes the UAE’s interests as broader than merely gold acquisition, highlighting its aim to counter Saudi influence and suppress political Islam in the region.

The UAE’s historical ties with Sudan’s military were established through participation in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. As tensions grew between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the UAE’s alleged support for Daglo is perceived as a means to challenge Saudi interests.

In addition to political dynamics, the relationship between the UAE and the RSF carries ideological motivations since the RSF opposes the Muslim Brotherhood, which is banned in the UAE and various Arab states. Both the Sudanese army and RSF are implicated in committing war crimes amid a violent conflict that has seen enormous loss of life and displacement of millions.

Recently, the U.S. accused the RSF of genocide due to brutal actions against ethnic groups. Allegations have also surfaced that the UAE reneged on commitments to cease military support to the RSF. Despite the UAE’s denials, claims persist that the RSF has received significant military aid from the UAE, and Daglo’s finances are managed from there.

Sudan’s filing at the ICJ accuses the UAE of genocide complicity, with the UAE labelling this as a “publicity stunt” and indicating intentions to dismiss the case. ICJ rulings are binding in nature, but enforcement capabilities are limited. Some experts indicate that reputational harm could befall the UAE amidst a burgeoning perception of it as a destabilizing force in Africa, though its financial might may shield it from severe consequences.

The UAE’s alleged involvement in Sudan’s civil war raises significant concerns, particularly regarding accusations of complicity in genocide through support for the RSF. The strategic interests of the UAE in Sudan’s rich natural resources, combined with its geopolitical ambitions in the region, reflect a complex interplay of political, economic, and ideological factors. While facing accusations at the ICJ may tarnish its reputation, the UAE’s established financial and political influence may mitigate immediate repercussions.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com