The UK has invited the UAE to a conference on Sudan while excluding the Sudanese army government, sparking outrage among supporters of the army. Sudanese officials argue that the UAE’s involvement compromises the conference’s integrity, and the situation raises broader concerns about the UK’s diplomatic strategies amid the ongoing conflict.
The UK has extended an invitation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a London conference on Sudan’s conflict set for April 15, while excluding both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This has incited a strong backlash from Sudanese officials who support the army, as the UAE is perceived as actively aiding the RSF throughout the ongoing war.
A document shared with Middle East Eye reveals that the Sudanese foreign ministry criticized their exclusion, arguing that the UAE, as a participant in the conflict, should not be welcomed. The document states, “Ironically, the UAE, effectively a party to the war, is invited.”
The conference aims to gather states and international organizations focused on promoting peace in Sudan. However, Sudan’s army-aligned government argues that the UAE’s participation undermines the initiative’s integrity, suggesting it turns the conference into merely a PR opportunity amid an ongoing genocide case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Besides the UAE, the UK also invited other nations like Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, all known to lean in favor of the Sudanese army. The UAE’s role in supplying weapons to the RSF has been criticized and highlighted by recent accusations, especially following Sudan’s application to the ICJ regarding the UAE’s alleged involvement in genocide against the Masalit community.
Anwar Gargash, the UAE’s foreign minister, criticized the Sudanese army, emphasizing that Sudan should prioritize a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis instead of engaging in media strategies. Meanwhile, the US has asserted that members of the RSF have committed acts of genocide in Sudan, particularly targeting African communities in Darfur.
Recent trade data has identified the UAE as the largest purchaser of Sudanese products, and while Sudanese officials have not called for severing ties with the UAE, reports concerning arms support continue to surface, raising tensions.
The decision to invite the UAE while excluding the Sudanese army government shocked many diplomats, who had previously felt relations with the UK were improving. This has prompted Sudanese officials to urge the UK to reassess its stance, stressing that the UAE’s involvement is critical to understanding the prolongation of the conflict.
Kholood Khair, a Sudanese analyst, asserted that the UK’s decision not to invite the SAF while including the UAE does not align with on-ground realities. The sentiments among Sudanese officials reflect concerns about the direction of UK-Sudan relations and the balance of perceived culpability in the conflict.
Former officials have called into question the true intent behind the London conference, suggesting it may lack genuine efforts to resolve the ongoing violence and illustrate the complexities of including or excluding key players in Sudan’s multifaceted conflict.
The UK’s invitation to the UAE for a conference on Sudan, while excluding the Sudanese army-aligned government, has stirred strong criticism from Sudanese officials. The implications of such a decision raise questions about the UK’s commitment to an unbiased diplomatic process aimed at resolving the ongoing humanitarian crisis. While aimed at fostering dialogue, the conference risks being overshadowed by the contentious role of the UAE in the conflict, leading to perceptions of insincerity in peace efforts. Ultimately, a more inclusive approach may be necessary for any meaningful resolution to emerge from this situation.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
