In a move that reflects Turkey’s growing interest in its regional role, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has proposed mediating between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to resolve the ongoing dispute, which has been aggravated by accusations of Abu Dhabi providing military support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Erdogan’s Initiative: Motives and Timing
This Turkish proposal was made during a phone call between Erdogan and Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council Chair Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan. According to a statement by Turkey’s Presidential Communications Office, Erdogan reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to the principles of peace and stability in Sudan, preserving its unity and sovereignty, and preventing external interventions.
However, this raises a key question: Does this mediation reflect a genuine effort to resolve the conflict, or is it part of a broader strategy to enhance Turkey’s influence in a region fraught with international and regional rivalries?
Sudan’s Accusations Against the UAE: Escalation or Misinformation?
On the other hand, Sudan, through its UN representative Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith, has directly accused the UAE of fueling the war by providing military support to the RSF. The UAE denied these accusations, labeling them “false and baseless.” However, the Sudanese army has repeatedly released images and videos of large quantities of weapons allegedly seized from the RSF and claimed they were of Emirati origin.
This raises another critical question: Are these accusations credible, or are they part of a larger regional conflict involving multiple interests?
Background to the Conflict: Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
Since the outbreak of war in April 2023 between the Sudanese army, led by Al-Burhan, and the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), Sudan has been plunged into an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. According to UN and local authorities, over 20,000 people have died, and more than 14 million have been displaced.
With fighting spreading across 13 of Sudan’s 18 states, the country faces severe shortages of food and humanitarian aid, pushing millions to the brink of famine. Can international efforts, including Turkey’s initiative, halt this tragedy?
Turkish Mediation: Chances of Success
Turkey’s offer of mediation comes at a critical moment, but its success depends on several factors:
- Acceptance by the parties: Can Sudan and the UAE find common ground to accept Turkish mediation?
- Regional trust: Is Turkey viewed as a neutral and credible mediator, or do its interests in Sudan undermine this perception?
- International support: Will Turkey’s initiative gain backing from international and regional powers involved in Sudan?
Conclusion: Between Regional Rivalry and Sudan’s Interests
Amid escalating tensions, genuine efforts are urgently needed to end the war in Sudan. But the crucial question remains: Can Turkish mediation lead to a lasting solution, or will it join the list of failed initiatives due to the complexity of the Sudanese conflict?
