Sudan has accused the UAE of complicity in genocide related to its support for the Rapid Support Forces amid a civil war. The UAE maintains interests in Sudan due to its natural resources and strategic location. While facing allegations of war crimes, experts suggest the UAE’s substantial global influence could shield it from immediate repercussions despite potential reputational damage from legal challenges.
Sudan has recently accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of being complicit in acts of genocide, a serious allegation that has been brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This accusation highlights the UAE’s alleged involvement in the ongoing civil war in Sudan, particularly regarding its support of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army for nearly two years. The UAE denies these allegations.
Sudan is a key interest for the UAE due to its abundant natural resources, including extensive agricultural lands, gas, and gold, making it Africa’s third-largest gold producer. Furthermore, its strategic location, bordering Libya and the Red Sea, enhances its significance as a critical route for oil transportation. The UAE’s vested interest in Sudan is politically motivated, aiming to exert influence in this strategically crucial nation.
In 2021, a coup led by Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in collaboration with RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, intensified the conflict. Subsequently, various entities, including the UAE and Turkey, have been accused of supporting different factions in the civil war. According to Middle East security expert Andreas Krieg, the UAE’s primary objective in Sudan revolves around political leverage and investment in its rich resource sectors.
Researcher Hamid Khalafallah noted that the UAE, lacking in natural resources, is particularly interested in Sudan’s minerals and agricultural potential. The UAE’s broader pattern of behavior in Africa includes engaging with paramilitary forces to secure access to the continent’s resources, evidenced by a significant portion of African gold exports being smuggled into the Emirates.
While gold represents a noteworthy facet of the UAE’s interests, Professor Federico Donelli contends that it would be simplistic to reduce the UAE’s involvement solely to gold acquisition. He elucidates that the UAE also aims to mitigate Saudi influence in Sudan and suppress the growth of political Islam, which it perceives as a threat to its national security.
The UAE’s military ties to Sudan derive from collaboration during the Yemeni civil war. While both Burhan and Daglo have operated along with Saudi forces, a rift between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi has become apparent, with the UAE’s alleged support for Daglo seen as a challenge to Saudi aims. Ideologically, the RSF’s opposition to the Muslim Brotherhood further aligns with the UAE’s political stance against this movement.
As the conflict has escalated, both factions have been implicated in war crimes, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacing over 12 million individuals. Recent accusations from Washington claim that the RSF is guilty of genocide against certain ethnic groups. The UAE’s support for the RSF has reportedly included arms shipments and logistic assistance, although the Emirati government refutes these claims.
The ICJ’s involvement follows Sudan’s allegations against the UAE, which has been dismissed by the Emirati authorities as a mere publicity stunt. Although ICJ rulings are legally binding, they lack enforcement power, leading to predictions of reputational damage to the UAE. However, experts suggest that the considerable financial and political influence the UAE has secured in recent years may insulate it from severe consequences.
In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates’ engagement in Sudan’s conflict raises critical issues regarding its geopolitical interests and alleged complicity in human rights violations. Despite facing accusations of genocide and support for paramilitary forces, the UAE continues to assert its position politically and economically in the region. The ongoing legal proceedings may influence the international perception of the UAE, but its significant financial leverage could mitigate serious ramifications.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
