Sudan’s transitional government has issued a strong statement accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of using its diplomatic channels to shield the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from international accountability.
The Sudanese foreign ministry described the RSF as a “terrorist militia” and alleged that the UAE was working behind the scenes at global platforms to influence narratives, including during recent Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) meetings held in New York.
According to the ministry, the UAE delegation made efforts to alter a NAM draft statement by removing language that condemned the RSF and expressed solidarity with Sudan’s civilian population. The ministry also claimed that the UAE tried to include references supporting a parallel administration allegedly being planned by RSF-aligned groups in territories under their control.
Sudan has long accused the UAE of providing material and political support to the RSF, who have been engaged in a bloody power struggle with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for over a year. The UAE has previously denied these claims.
The statement warned that such interventions by the UAE threaten Sudan’s sovereignty and regional stability. It cited intelligence reports and media coverage alleging that RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemetti) has maintained communication with senior Emirati leaders and is possibly receiving safe haven.
The foreign ministry said similar UAE actions had been observed during meetings of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, where the Gulf state allegedly lobbied against the inclusion of language condemning the RSF.
Sudan concluded by urging the international community not to allow any nation to protect groups responsible for what it described as “terrorism and crimes against civilians.”