The UK has invited the UAE to a London conference on the Sudan conflict while excluding the Sudanese army-aligned government and RSF. This has incited outrage among Sudanese officials, who view the UAE’s presence as contradictory given its alleged involvement in the war. Analysts stress that excluding the Sudanese government undermines peace efforts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive participation in discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis.
The United Kingdom has extended an invitation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a conference in London concerning the ongoing conflict in Sudan, scheduled for April 15; however, it has excluded the Sudanese army-aligned government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This situation has sparked outrage among Sudanese officials who feel their government’s absence undermines efforts for peace. The invitation, as per a document shared with Middle East Eye, implies that the Sudanese government was excluded due to its classification as a “warring party.”
The UK conference seeks to convene participants dedicated to supporting peace in Sudan, yet the Sudanese government criticized the UAE’s inclusion, claiming it effectively participates in the conflict, thus questioning the conference’s integrity. The document from Sudan’s foreign ministry specifically mentions the irony in inviting the UAE while excluding the actual warring parties. “The participation of the UAE will only render the conference a little more than a public relations stunt” – Source.
In addition to the UAE, the UK has invited several nations, including Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, which reportedly lean towards supporting the Sudanese army rather than the RSF. Recently, Sudan has also sought to hold the UAE accountable through the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its alleged role in genocide against the Masalit community amid the conflict. Anwar Gargash, the UAE’s foreign minister, has called on Sudan to prioritize ceasefire efforts.
The UAE’s involvement with the RSF has been documented through a network that spans several African regions, despite the UAE’s public denials of supplying arms. Allegations have surfaced indicating the UAE’s previous commitments to cease arms transfer were misleading. Previous US government assessments have concluded that members of the RSF have been involved in committing acts of genocide in Sudan, primarily affecting the Black African Masalit group.
British diplomats had gained optimism about UK-Sudan relations recently, but the exclusion of the Sudanese army from the conference has necessitated a reassessment of this relationship. Sudan’s government expressed disappointment, asserting that the UK had not adequately identified the role of the UAE in perpetuating the war. Kholood Khair, a Sudanese analyst, indicated that while the intent of UK diplomatic efforts was to assure SAF’s concerns, the UAE’s role appears to have been inadequately addressed.
The future of the London conference and its ability to contribute effectively towards resolving the lengthy conflict remains uncertain. Experts suggest this event could ultimately appear performative rather than genuinely constructive for peace. Cameron Hudson emphasized, “The UAE needs to be a part of any process. But so do all the main actors. But to include the UAE and exclude the Sudanese misses the bigger picture.” – Source.
The UK’s decision to invite the UAE to the London conference regarding Sudan while excluding the Sudanese army-aligned government has escalated tensions and dissatisfaction among Sudanese officials. Concerns have been raised regarding the integrity and intentions behind the conference, especially in light of the UAE’s alleged complicity in the conflict. The discussions surrounding the UAE’s involvement highlight the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the intricate conditions affecting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Experts suggest that genuine efforts towards peace must include all relevant parties, including the Sudanese government. This development illustrates the challenges faced in diplomatic negotiations and underscores the necessity for an approach that acknowledges all key stakeholders.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
