Sudan ends relations with UAE over alleged RSF support
Sudan has officially cut diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as tensions escalate over the ongoing civil war, Africanews and AP reported on May 7th.
Sudanese Defence Minister Yassin Ibrahim directly accused the UAE of supporting the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF), claiming the country played a “proxy” role. His remarks followed a series of RSF attacks on Port Sudan, a city previously considered a refuge from violence.
Although the UAE has firmly denied these accusations—which include allegations of military, political, and financial backing for the RSF—the fallout has grown rapidly.
In response, Sudan will shut down its diplomatic missions in the UAE and recall its ambassador. These moves underscore the deepening rift between the two nations. Meanwhile, the civil conflict, now entering its second year, continues to devastate the country. It has already caused thousands of deaths and forced millions from their homes, plunging Sudan into a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Adding to the turmoil, drone strikes have recently targeted key infrastructure in Port Sudan, further destabilising what little sense of safety remained, France 24 and AFP reported on May 6th. The RSF has remained silent on these attacks, yet the Sudanese army squarely blames them. Despite Sudan’s accusations, the International Court of Justice dismissed a case on May 5th that accused the UAE of complicity in genocide, citing a legal technicality, Middle East Monitor via Anadolu Agency.
Amid the growing chaos, the UAE’s deputy assistant minister for political affairs urged the international community to act swiftly. He emphasised the need to halt the conflict and provide humanitarian aid, calling for a renewed focus on peace and relief for the Sudanese people.
Both the RSF and the Sudanese army continue to face mounting allegations of war crimes, further complicating any path toward resolution.
Africanews and AP, France 24 and AFP, Middle East Monitor via Anadolu Agency
