The United Arab Emirates' position on the Sudanese internal conflict

Abstract

Abstract:

The internal Sudanese conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has created a major humanitarian crisis with global repercussions, largely influenced by the external interactions of regional powers. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently accused of involvement in this matter. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the UAE and the conflict in Sudan using the descriptive-analytical method, relying on scientific studies and academic journals in order to identify the roots of the Sudanese crisis, the conflicting parties, and then analyze the Emirati role. Abu Dhabi has played an essential role in providing military support to the Rapid Support Forces—not only humanitarian and diplomatic aid as officially declared. This is supported by several United Nations reports confirming that Emirati weapons were found on the battlefield. The findings of this study indicate that the UAE’s objectives in Sudan are primarily economic and strategic rather than purely political. The UAE seeks to enhance its influence in the Red Sea corridor and the Horn of Africa and secure its economic interests in Sudan, especially in the gold trade, since the UAE is considered the largest importer of Sudanese gold from various regions of the country. However, what negatively shapes the image of the UAE is its support for an armed actor widely viewed as destabilizing the Sudanese state.