The UAE faces allegations of complicity in genocide in Sudan related to its support for the RSF amid an ongoing civil war. Resource interests and a desire for political influence underpin its involvement. The International Court of Justice has become a venue for Sudan’s claims against the UAE, which the UAE dismisses as unfounded.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has faced allegations of complicity in genocide regarding the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan. Sudan has accused the UAE of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia involved in violent clashes with Sudan’s regular army for nearly two years. Despite these accusations, the UAE has denied any involvement.
Sudan is a resource-rich nation, known for its agricultural land, gas, and gold reserves, making it attractive for geopolitical influence. The UAE is thought to have vested interests in Sudan, especially following the 2021 coup when Sudan’s army chief partnered with RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, known as Hemeti. This shift in power dynamics raised concerns about foreign involvement from nations like the UAE and Egypt.
According to security analyst Andreas Krieg, the UAE views Sudan as critical for securing political leverage in the region. Emirati investments in Sudan center around resource exploration, particularly minerals and agricultural opportunities. Furthermore, Sudanese researcher Hamid Khalafallah emphasized that the UAE’s desert landscape drives its interest in Sudan’s rich natural resources.
Regarding the gold trade, the UAE is the largest market for Sudanese gold, most of which is reportedly smuggled. The UAE’s transactions raised queries about its motivations beyond just gold acquisition, as it seeks to curtail Saudi Arabia’s influence while addressing its own security with respect to political Islam.
Rifts between the UAE and Saudi Arabia also complicate the situation, as Abu Dhabi’s support of Daglo may contest Riyadh’s strategic goals. The ideological element of this relationship against the Muslim Brotherhood further differentiates the RSF from other military factions associated with the former regime.
The ruthless conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities and severe humanitarian crises, including mass displacements exceeding 12 million. The RSF has faced accusations of committing war crimes and genocide against specific ethnic groups, leading the United States to call for accountability.
In January, U.S. lawmakers asserted that the UAE failed to stop military aid to the RSF, prompting Sudan to lodge a case against the UAE in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for alleged genocide involvement. While the UAE has labeled the claims as unfounded and intends to have the case dismissed, observers warn that the legal proceedings could tarnish its international reputation, although its financial status may shield it from major consequences.
The UAE’s involvement in Sudan stems from strategic political ambitions and resource exploitation amid a devastating civil war. While accused of supporting the RSF in their conflict against the Sudanese army, the UAE denies these allegations. The recent filing at the International Court of Justice highlights the complexities of international relations in the region, with significant implications for the UAE’s global standing despite its reputational risks.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
