The UAE faces allegations of complicity in genocide in Sudan due to its support of the RSF during the civil war. This involvement highlights the UAE’s strategic interest in Sudan’s resources and regional influence, though the UAE denies the accusations. Sudan has brought these claims to the ICJ, while experts suggest the case could damage the UAE’s reputation but might not have serious repercussions.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) faces allegations of complicity in genocide in Sudan, as stated in a recent filing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This accusation arises from the UAE’s purported support of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict, a claim that the UAE firmly denies. Sudan has articulated its concerns regarding the UAE’s involvement, particularly in its accusations against the RSF, which has been engaged in brutal battles against the country’s regular army for nearly two years.
Sudan, rich in natural resources such as gold and gas, offers strategic advantages for foreign interests. Its geographic positioning next to Libya, where the UAE supports rebel forces, alongside a vital coastline on the Red Sea, enhances its significance. The military coup in 2021, wherein General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Daglo took power, has drawn international attention to the geopolitical struggles involving various nations, including the UAE, which are believed to support different factions in the conflict.
According to Andreas Krieg, a security specialist, the UAE’s primary objectives in Sudan relate to exerting political influence in a nation of significant strategic importance. Emirati companies view Sudan as a potential hub for investments in its valuable resources. Researchers highlight that the UAE is particularly interested in accessing minerals and arable land, given its own desert environment. Reports suggest that the UAE’s engagement often involves paramilitary groups across Africa to exploit these resources effectively.
The UAE stands as the largest buyer of Sudanese gold, predominantly controlled by the RSF, amidst accusations of smuggling. Although the focus is often on gold, Federico Donelli, a professor of international relations, argues that the UAE’s interests span broader geopolitical motivations, including countering Saudis’ regional influence and combatting the spread of political Islam, perceived as a security threat.
Historically, the ties between the UAE and Sudan’s military factions were bolstered by cooperation in Yemen, where Sudanese forces joined the Saudi-led coalition in 2015. However, emerging rifts between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh appear to complicate these relationships. While the UAE continues to support the RSF, it faces contradictions, especially since the RSF is positioned against the Muslim Brotherhood, which the UAE seeks to suppress.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to egregious humanitarian crises, with both sides accused of war crimes. Recent allegations from the U.S. have labeled the RSF’s actions as genocide, prompting further scrutiny of international support, including that from the UAE. Reports indicate that Daglo’s financial operations are significantly linked to Abu Dhabi, raising questions about the depth of this entanglement.
In response to Sudan’s ICJ case, the UAE has dismissed the allegations, characterizing them as a mere publicity stunt and intends to seek dismissal of the case. Although ICJ rulings carry legal weight, enforcement remains an issue. Experts caution that the heightened scrutiny of the UAE could damage its reputation internationally, reinforced by increasing perceptions of it as a destabilizing force in Africa. Nevertheless, the substantial political and financial leverage the UAE has amassed over recent years may mitigate serious repercussions from these allegations.
The UAE’s involvement in Sudan, mainly through alleged support to the RSF, has surfaced various international legal challenges and accusations, including complicity in genocide. The geopolitical implications underscore the UAE’s motives for resource investments and regional influence amidst a violent civil conflict. The accusations, while significant, may not lead to substantial political consequences, given the UAE’s formidable stature within international relations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
