The UK has invited the UAE to a conference on Sudan’s war, outraging the Sudanese army government, which has been excluded. The exclusion is viewed as hypocritical given the UAE’s involvement in the conflict. Critics argue this could diminish the conference’s legitimacy in pursuing peace.
The UK has sparked outrage from the Sudanese army-aligned government by inviting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to a London conference on Sudan’s conflict, scheduled for April 15. In a document shared with Middle East Eye, it was noted that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) nor the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were invited, raising questions about UAE’s engagement given its support for the RSF during the ongoing war.
Sudanese officials expressed their indignation, emphasizing that the UAE’s invitation contradicts the reasoning behind their own exclusion, which was labeled as based on being a “warring party.” The Sudanese foreign ministry’s document pointedly stated, “Ironically, the UAE, effectively a party to the war, is invited.” This sentiment highlights the perceived hypocrisy in the UK’s selection of attendees.
The conference is meant for states and organizations focused on aiding a peaceful resolution in Sudan. However, Sudan’s army-aligned government criticized the UAE’s inclusion, asserting that it might turn the conference into a public relations exercise aimed at improving the UAE’s image amid genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In addition to the UAE, the UK has invited other supportive nations such as Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, all of which are perceived as favoring the Sudanese army. Meanwhile, Sudan has initiated an ICJ application against the UAE for its alleged complicity in genocide against the Masalit community. The UAE, responding through its foreign minister, called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan.
Reports affirm that the US government has characterized actions by RSF members as genocidal against the Black African Masalit people, intensifying scrutiny on the UAE’s role in Sudan. Historical support to the RSF through various channels has persisted, with recent data indicating that the UAE is the largest consumer of Sudanese exports.
The UK’s decision to invite the UAE while excluding Sudan’s army government surprised Sudanese diplomats who perceived relations with London as improving. UK Foreign Minister David Lammy’s prior statements about Sudan’s plight did not anticipate this diplomatic misstep, as evidenced by a recent meeting involving Harriet Mathews with Sudanese officials, intended to ease tensions regarding the RSF’s influence.
Despite this, the Sudanese army-aligned government is calling for the UK to revise its position on the RSF and recognize the UAE’s contribution to the enduring conflict. Analyst Kholood Khair remarked on the trip’s potential to alleviate concerns from the Sudanese army regarding UK intentions, yet the UAE’s role appears to have been inadequately addressed. The efficacy of the London conference in advancing peace initiatives is still debated, with critiques emphasizing that including the UAE while excluding Sudanese representatives overlooks critical dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
The UK’s invitation of the UAE to the London conference on Sudan, while excluding the Sudanese army government, has ignited significant tensions. The Sudanese officials consider the UAE’s presence hypocritical given its reported support for the RSF amid genocide accusations. This diplomatic incident raises doubts about the conference’s potential effectiveness in fostering peace, with critics emphasizing the necessity of inclusive dialogue that addresses all involved parties adequately.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
