The UAE accused Sudan’s armed forces of bombing the UAE ambassador’s home in Khartoum, causing significant damage. Sudan denied responsibility, attributing the bombing to the Rapid Support Forces while accusing the UAE of supporting the RSF. This incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations amidst Sudan’s prolonged civil war and humanitarian crisis.
On September 30, 2024, tensions escalated between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sudan following an alleged bombing of the UAE ambassador’s residence in Khartoum. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the Sudanese armed forces of executing a strike that caused significant damage to the ambassador’s residence, expressing strong condemnation of the act. In contrast, the Sudanese military denied these accusations, attributing the attack to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that is reportedly receiving support from the UAE amidst the ongoing civil war that has resulted in devastation over the past 17 months. The UAE described the incident as a “heinous attack,” emphasizing that diplomatic premises should remain inviolable. Furthermore, the UAE’s statement called upon the Sudanese army to take full responsibility for the attack, characterizing it as a severe violation of international norms governing diplomatic missions. Conversely, the Sudanese army reiterated its commitment to protecting diplomatic missions and accused the RSF of perpetrating cowardly acts of violence, which they allege are facilitated by external nations, indirectly hinting at the UAE’s prior support for the RSF. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which has persisted since April 2023, has resulted in immense human suffering, with the UN reporting more than 14,000 fatalities and nearly 25 million individuals requiring assistance due to the humanitarian crisis engendered by the civil war. Recent military offensives by Sudan’s armed forces aim to reclaim control of Khartoum, which has predominantly been under the influence of the RSF.
The conflict in Sudan stems from intense fighting that began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, resulting in widespread devastation and a deepening humanitarian crisis. The RSF, which operates independently of the national military, has been accused of various atrocities in the ongoing civil war. The relationship between the UAE and the RSF has come under scrutiny, with a UN report indicating credible evidence of UAE support for the RSF in the form of arms supply. The current diplomatic spat reflects the broader implications of the civil war in Sudan and the international actors involved.
This incident highlights the deteriorating relations between the UAE and Sudan amidst a backdrop of ongoing violence and humanitarian distress in the region. The mutual accusations underscore the complexities of the conflict and the involvement of external parties, particularly concerning the support accorded to the RSF by the UAE. As the situation develops, both diplomatic and military responses will be crucial in addressing the pressing humanitarian issues facing millions in Sudan.
Original Source: www.dw.com
