In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, Sudan has officially severed relations with the United Arab Emirates, accusing the Gulf state of fuelling the country’s civil war through its alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
This decision was announced on Tuesday May 06 by Sudan’s Defence Minister, Yassin Ibrahim, who condemned the UAE for violating Sudan’s sovereignty by purportedly backing the paramilitary group—claims the UAE has persistently denied. The rupture comes amid a surge in hostilities, including a wave of drone strikes on Port Sudan, a city previously considered a rare sanctuary in the conflict-ridden nation.
The Sudanese government’s decision entails the immediate withdrawal of its ambassador and the closure of its diplomatic missions in the UAE. This follows three days of intensified assaults on Port Sudan, targeting critical infrastructure such as the international airport and a major power station. The Sudanese army holds the RSF responsible for the attacks, although the group has not issued any formal response. Meanwhile, the two-year conflict continues to exact a heavy toll, having displaced millions and deepened what is now widely regarded as the most severe humanitarian crisis globally.
International scrutiny has grown over the role of foreign powers in exacerbating Sudan’s conflict. The United Kingdom and United States have both voiced concern over alleged external support to the RSF, implicitly singling out the UAE. However, efforts to hold the Gulf state legally accountable have stumbled; the UN’s top court recently dismissed Sudan’s case accusing the UAE of genocide complicity, citing jurisdictional limitations. In response, the UAE reiterated its commitment to peace and humanitarian relief, urging the global community to redirect focus toward alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people. Yet as both the Sudanese military and RSF stand accused of war crimes, the path to peace remains fraught with complexity and contested narratives.