Sudan Conflict and UAE Involvement

Overview of the Sudan Conflict

• Worst War Since April 2023: Conflict between Sudanese Army and RSF.
• Devastating Impact:
  • 150,000 estimated dead.
  • 12 million displaced.
  • Cities destroyed and famine prevalent.
  • Ethnic cleansing in Darfur.

External Involvement

• Outside Powers Funding the War:
  • Egypt, Qatar, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Houthis.
  • UAE is the primary contributor.
• UAE's Intervention:
  • Ammunition and high-tech weapons supplied to RSF.
  • Intelligence support and treating wounded fighters.
  • Claim humanitarian motives; investigations suggest otherwise.

UAE's Clandestine Operations

• Amjara Base Controversy:
  • Supposed field hospital acts as cover for weapons transfers via cargo flights.
  • UN investigation supported these claims.
• Military Support to RSF:
  • Drones, howitzers, and rocket launchers supplied.
  • Use of MANPADS neutralizes the military's air superiority.

Geopolitical Implications

• Influence and Pressure:
  • UAE influences Egypt and Chad with financial aid to prevent support to Sudanese military.
  • Strategic military aid keeps RSF sustained.
• Economic Interests:
  • Gold trade as a major factor; Sudan supplies a significant amount of gold to the UAE.
  • Potential Red Sea port interest thwarted by ongoing conflict.

Consequences and Future Projections

• Impact on Sudan:
  • Civilian casualties and destruction continue.
  • Potential for Sudan becoming a failed state.
• Western Response:
  • US sanctions against RSF and UAE companies involved.
  • UAE remains a significant Western ally, complicating diplomatic pressure.
• Global Implications:
  • Increased involvement from countries like Iran.
  • Risk of prolonged war and further destabilization.

Key Questions

• Why UAE Supports RSF:
  • Possible debt of gratitude to RSF leader.
  • Economic interest in Sudanese gold.
  • Strategic geopolitical influence in Africa.

Conclusion

• The war in Sudan is prolonged by UAE's involvement, driven by complex motives.
• Finding a resolution requires significant diplomatic pressure on UAE to cease support for RSF.
• The international community needs to prioritize Sudan to prevent further humanitarian disaster.