UAE President Reaffirms Support for Sudan Amid Escalation
The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, expressed his country’s support for all initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions between Sudanese factions.
This statement was made during a phone call with the Chair of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan. The call marked the first direct communication between the two leaders since tensions arose following Sudan’s accusations against the UAE of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
During the conversation, the Emirati president and the chair of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council discussed bilateral relations, the evolving situation in Sudan, and potential support measures to help Sudan navigate its current crisis.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to resolving the Sudanese crisis in a manner that enhances stability and security, and meets the aspirations of the Sudanese people for development and prosperity. He emphasized the importance of peaceful dialogue to protect Sudan’s supreme interests and maintain its security and stability.
He also reiterated the UAE’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
In mid-February 2023, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed hosted Al-Burhan in Abu Dhabi, where they discussed the political situation in Sudan, just two months before the outbreak of conflict.
Relations between Abu Dhabi and Khartoum deteriorated after Sudan accused the UAE of providing military support to the RSF. In late April, Sudan requested an emergency session of the Security Council to address what it termed “the UAE’s aggression” against Sudan, leading to a contentious debate between the representatives of both nations.
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal conflict between the army and the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions.
