The Sudanese army has denied allegations from the UAE that it bombed the ambassador’s residence in Khartoum, claiming to only target militia positions. The UAE plans to protest the incident to the UN. Kuwait and Jordan condemned the reported attack, reaffirming the need for protecting diplomatic missions.
On September 30, 2024, the Sudanese army publicly refuted allegations made by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accusing its forces of bombing the residence of the UAE ambassador in Khartoum. The accusations arose after a statement from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 29 asserted that the Sudanese military had targeted the ambassador’s residence using aircraft and declared intentions to file a protest note with the United Nations and other regional organizations regarding the incident. The allegations indicate a troubling escalation of diplomatic tensions between the UAE and Sudan, particularly in light of persistent accusations from Sudanese military officials that the UAE has been contributing to the conflict by providing support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In a dismissive statement, a spokesperson for the Sudanese Armed Forces expressed strong condemnation of the UAE’s claims, asserting that the Sudanese military does not engage in targeting diplomatic missions or assist international organizations, but instead holds the right to defend the Sudanese state against what were described as “terrorist militias” led by the Daglo rebels. The spokesperson emphasized that such militants receive backing from foreign entities. In the aftermath of intense fighting that erupted in April 2024, all foreign diplomatic missions have evacuated Khartoum, primarily relocating to Port Sudan. Meanwhile, Sudanese officials have claimed that the RSF has illegally taken over government facilities and foreign embassies without facing proportionate international outrage. The UAE incident prompted further condemnation from Kuwait and Jordan, both of which stressed that the sanctity of diplomatic missions must be upheld in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961, with both countries unequivocally denouncing any attacks on diplomatic premises.
The tensions between the Sudanese army and the United Arab Emirates represent a critical junction in a complex political landscape marked by military conflict and foreign intervention. Since the outbreak of violence in April 2024, issues of sovereignty and the protection of diplomatic missions have come to the forefront, highlighting the precarious nature of international relations in the region. The Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group, have been accused of exacerbating the conflict by engaging in militant activities against both Sudanese and foreign interests. The Sudanese military has publicly decried external support for these forces, arguing that such backing undermines the stability of Sudan and violates international norms regarding conflict and diplomacy.
In summary, recent accusations by the UAE against the Sudanese army of bombing its embassy residence signify escalating diplomatic tensions and have provoked responses from other nations, underscoring the importance of safeguarding diplomatic missions. The Sudanese military has firmly denied these accusations, attributing the attacks to rogue elements empowered by foreign support. This ongoing conflict poses significant risks not only to Sudan’s internal stability but also to the broader regional diplomatic landscape.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
