UAE Urges Immediate Ceasefire, Civilian Rule in Sudan

The United Arab Emirates has called for an urgent end to hostilities in Sudan, emphasizing the need for a return to civilian-led governance.

Speaking at the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, urged all parties to prioritize peace and dialogue. 

He stressed that Sudan’s future must be built on a civilian transition rather than continued military control.

Gargash also noted that while the UAE has not been able to offer the same level of humanitarian assistance in Sudan as it currently does in Gaza, the country remains fully prepared to expand its support once permitted to do so.

The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been fighting for control of Sudan since April 2023, creating the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

The hotspot for fighting is al-Fashir, the army’s last stronghold in the Darfur region, which the RSF aims to be its base for a parallel government it installed over the summer.

The Sudanese army accuses the United Arab Emirates of providing the RSF support including advanced weaponry and mercenary fighters, charges the UAE has denied repeatedly.

Traders and officials said relations between the two countries have soured and most recently the UAE has imposed a de facto embargo on Sudanese gold, dealing a blow to the country’s economy. 

Reuters/NAN