UAE denies allegations of arming Sudanese paramilitary forces
August 13, 2023 (ABU DHABI) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rejected the reports suggesting its support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army since mid-April 2023.
On August 10, The Wall Street Journal accused the UAE of supplying weapons and ammunition to the RSF, contributing to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has tragically claimed the lives of nearly 4,000 civilians and displaced around four million people.
In response to this report, Afra Al Hameli, the Director of Strategic Communications at the UAE Foreign Ministry, firmly dismissed the allegations presented in the story.
“The UAE categorically denies supplying weapons or ammunition to any of the warring factions in Sudan since the beginning of the conflict in April 2023,” a statement published by the official Emirates News Agency affirmed.
Furthermore, Al Hameli underscored that the UAE maintains a neutral position in the ongoing conflict within Sudan, advocating for an end to hostilities and the complete preservation of Sudan’s sovereignty.
While Sudanese army generals have hinted at possible regional involvement and support for the RSF, they have refrained from mentioning the UAE’s name explicitly.
The Wall Street Journal’s report isn’t the first to suggest a connection between the UAE and RSF collaboration. Nonetheless, this marks the first response from the Emirati government addressing such claims.
RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, also known as “Hemetti,” maintains close ties with both the UAE and Russia’s Wagner Group.
Hemetti’s business interests are centred in Abu Dhabi and continue to operate normally despite the U.S. administration’s sanctions following the conflict outbreak.
The UAE diplomat reiterated that her country consistently advocates for de-escalation, the establishment of a ceasefire, and negotiations between the warring parties to resolve outstanding issues.
She emphasized that her government will persist in supporting regional and international endeavours aimed at initiating a political process, ultimately achieving a national consensus that paves the way for the formation of a transitional government.
(ST)