Sudan has officially severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, accusing the Gulf state of backing the rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in its ongoing war against the Sudanese army. The move marks a significant escalation in regional tensions as Sudan’s civil conflict enters its second year with no resolution in sight.
The announcement was made on Monday by Sudan’s Defence Minister, General Yassin Ibrahim, who directly blamed the UAE for playing a “proxy” role in the war. He alleged that the Emirati government has been providing political, financial, and military support to the RSF, which recently launched drone attacks on the strategic city of Port Sudan—a location previously spared from front-line violence.
“A Clear Line Has Been Crossed”
Addressing the press in Port Sudan, General Ibrahim declared:
“We have ample evidence that the United Arab Emirates is actively supporting the RSF in its campaign to destabilize our country. This is not just indirect involvement—this is a direct threat to Sudan’s sovereignty and to the safety of our people.”
As a consequence of the allegations, Sudan has ordered the immediate closure of all its diplomatic missions in the UAE and the recall of its ambassador from Abu Dhabi. The move represents a dramatic shift in relations between the two nations, who previously maintained strong economic and political ties.
UAE Denies Allegations, Calls for Peace
The UAE has firmly denied any involvement in the Sudanese conflict. In a statement issued by the Deputy Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, the UAE said it rejects “in the strongest terms” any suggestion that it is supplying or supporting the RSF.
“Our position is clear: the UAE calls for an immediate end to hostilities in Sudan and supports all regional and international efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to those in need,” the official said. “We urge all parties to focus on peace, not provocation.”
The statement also called on the international community to increase humanitarian aid and diplomatic pressure to end the war, which has already displaced over 8 million people and caused thousands of deaths.
Port Sudan Under Attack
The latest diplomatic breakdown comes amid a surge in violence in Port Sudan, which until recently had served as the de facto seat of the army-aligned Sudanese government. Over the weekend and into early this week, the RSF launched a wave of drone strikes on critical infrastructure in the city, including the main power station, army barracks, and even the international airport.
According to the Sudanese Electricity Authority, the drone attacks caused a “complete power outage” in the city. “This is a targeted attempt to plunge the eastern region into darkness and chaos,” a spokesperson for the authority said.
Another drone reportedly struck a fuel depot near the port, while a separate strike hit a hotel located close to the residence of army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Although no casualties were reported, the psychological toll and rising fear among residents have been immense.
Sudan’s Accusations Rejected by International Court
Despite Sudan’s insistence on the UAE’s involvement, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently dismissed a case brought by Sudan against the UAE. The case accused the Gulf state of complicity in genocide and violations of international humanitarian law.
The ICJ ruled that the case lacked jurisdiction on a technical basis, without addressing the merits of the accusations. Sudanese officials expressed disappointment at the decision but vowed to seek alternative legal avenues.
“Justice will not be denied,” said one official in Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We will continue to expose those who support terror and destruction in our country.”
War Crimes on Both Sides
While the Sudanese army has been quick to place blame on the RSF and its alleged backers, both factions in the conflict face credible allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. International watchdogs have documented widespread abuses, including mass killings, ethnic cleansing, sexual violence, and the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure.
In the wake of the recent attack on the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur, which killed at least 400 people, human rights groups have renewed calls for accountability. The RSF has been accused of orchestrating the assault, during which humanitarian workers and civilians were gunned down, and medical facilities destroyed.
“The people of Sudan are caught between two warring factions with little regard for civilian life,” said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. “The international community must act now to impose sanctions, enforce arms embargoes, and demand justice.”
Port Sudan: From Safe Haven to Frontline Target
Port Sudan had long served as a sanctuary for those fleeing the violence in Khartoum and Darfur. Home to key infrastructure and hosting diplomatic missions and international organizations, the city was seen as a rare zone of stability in an otherwise collapsing nation.
But that perception has changed rapidly in recent days.
On Sunday, the RSF struck the military section of Port Sudan’s airport, followed by attacks on fuel depots on Monday. By Tuesday, drones were targeting civilian areas. The United Nations has temporarily suspended all humanitarian air operations to and from Port Sudan, citing safety concerns.
“None of our offices or warehouses have been directly hit, but the situation is evolving rapidly,” said UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq. “We are monitoring developments closely and continuing essential humanitarian operations where possible.”
The Road Ahead
As Sudan descends further into chaos, analysts warn that the breakdown of ties with the UAE could have wider implications for the region. The UAE has historically played a major role in African affairs, investing heavily in Sudan’s infrastructure, agriculture, and ports.
The collapse in diplomatic relations may also complicate broader efforts to broker peace. Regional mediators, including the African Union and IGAD, have struggled to bring both the Sudanese army and the RSF to the negotiating table. Now, with accusations of foreign interference, the prospect of a peaceful resolution appears even more remote.
“Sudan is at a crossroads,” said Dr. Ahmed Khalid, a Sudanese political analyst. “It can either find a path back to unity and peace or continue down a road of destruction that risks engulfing the entire region.”
