Sovereign Council says Burhan told Bin Zayed of alleged UAE support for RSF

July 19, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The Sovereign Council of Sudan announced on Friday that its leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan informed United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohammed bin Zayed of Abu Dhabi’s alleged support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The paramilitary group has been engaged in a conflict with the Sudanese army for over a year.

The official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on Thursday evening that bin Zayed received a phone call from al-Burhan, during which they discussed the strong relations between their countries and the recent developments in Sudan.

However, a statement from the Sovereign Council on Friday clarified that during this call, the Emirati President expressed a desire to help end the ongoing war in Sudan.

According to the statement, al-Burhan told bin Zayed, “Abu Dhabi is accused by the Sudanese, with extensive evidence and testimonies proving the UAE’s support for the rebels and those who kill and destroy their country and displace them.”

He urged the Emirati leader to cease these actions.

This phone call sparked widespread reactions and controversy on social media, marking the first direct communication between the two leaders after months of tension and media exchanges.

Sudan claims that the UAE has been financing the RSF and supplying them with weapons and military equipment via Chad and Central Africa, significantly impacting the military battles since April 15, 2023.

Relations between Sudan and the UAE have been strained due to these accusations, with Sudanese military leaders openly criticizing the Emirati leadership.

The tension escalated further when representatives from both countries exchanged heated words at a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session last month, leading to the expulsion of diplomats from each other’s countries.

(ST)