Sudan has officially ended its diplomatic relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The decision was made because Sudan believes that the UAE is supporting a powerful armed group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Sudan Ends Diplomatic Relations with UAE
This group has been fighting against Sudan’s main army in a violent civil war that started in April 2023.
The government of Sudan says the UAE is interfering in the country’s internal matters. They accuse the UAE of helping the RSF from behind the scenes. Sudan has now recalled its ambassador from the UAE. That means their top diplomat in the UAE has been called back home. Sudan says the UAE has crossed a line by helping an enemy force within their country.
However, the UAE claims that it does not provide the RSF with any weaponry. It denies supporting the group in any way. Just recently, Sudan had also tried to bring this issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), saying the UAE was helping cause serious violence in Darfur. But the court refused to take the case. The ICJ said it couldn’t accept Sudan’s claim because of legal reasons related to the way the UAE agreed to the genocide convention.
This break in ties is happening while Sudan is still in a very serious crisis. The war between the RSF and the Sudanese army has caused much destruction. There have been numerous murders and forced relocations. Every day, the situation worsens.
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Attacks on Port Sudan Raise Alarm
While Sudan was making this big announcement, aid groups were warning about another major problem. Port Sudan, a key area for bringing food, medicine, and other help into the country, has been attacked several times since early May.
Drones and missiles, which some groups claim may be linked to the RSF, have struck strategic locations in Port Sudan. These attacks have damaged the international airport, fuel storage tanks, shipping ports, and even hotels. Water systems and power stations have also been hit. Smoke from the fires caused by these attacks has spread over areas where many people live. These attacks have forced airlines to cancel flights, making it harder to bring in help and supplies.
Many aid groups are very worried. They say these attacks, possibly carried out or supported by the RSF, are making it nearly impossible to continue helping people. They also say the attacks are breaking international humanitarian laws, which are supposed to protect civilians and important buildings during wartime.
Port Sudan is extremely important right now. It is one of the last safe places where international aid can come into the country. For thousands of residents, this location has been a lifeline since the start of the war. Many families who escaped from areas controlled or attacked by the RSF have moved to Port Sudan, hoping to stay safe and receive help. Aid groups fear that if RSF attacks continue, even this vital lifeline may be cut off.
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Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as Services Collapse
Because of the continued attacks, the United Nations has stopped all humanitarian flights to Port Sudan. That’s a huge problem. These flights were carrying food, medicine, and emergency supplies to people in need. Now, with the flights stopped, many people may not get the help they need in time.
Fuel supplies are also running low. Some power stations have been destroyed or badly damaged. Aid workers are now depending on generators to keep hospitals and other services running. But without enough fuel, even those generators may stop working soon.
Aid agencies have warned that without electricity and clean water, the risk of diseases and malnutrition will rise quickly. People who are already weak and sick — especially children, the elderly, and pregnant women — are now at even greater risk.
The aid groups are asking all the fighting groups to stop attacking hospitals, power stations, and water systems. They are reminding everyone to follow the rules of war, which say that civilians and important services must not be harmed.
In the middle of all this, a global attempt to bring different countries together to help Sudan has also failed. A recent meeting in London, led by a European country, aimed to build peace and create a plan for the future. But the meeting did not succeed. The main reason was disagreements between the UAE and another neighboring country. These tensions have made it difficult to find common ground and work toward peace.
The move to sever ties with the UAE further complicates an already precarious scenario as Sudan’s crisis worsens. The impact of this move, combined with the attacks on Port Sudan, has made life harder for millions of innocent people caught in the conflict.