President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey has proposed to mediate the tensions between Sudan and the UAE following a call with Sudan’s military leader. This comes shortly after Erdogan’s successful mediation between Ethiopia and Somalia, emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to peace in the region. Sudan accuses the UAE of exacerbating its conflict, while millions face displacement amid a growing humanitarian crisis.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has recently reached out to Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, to offer his services as a mediator to alleviate growing tensions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This initiative follows Erdogan’s successful mediation in establishing communication between Ethiopia and Somalia concerning their territorial disputes. Erdogan emphasized that Turkey’s role will focus on fostering peace and stability in Sudan, preserving its sovereignty, and avoiding external interference in its affairs.
The Sudanese government has accused the UAE of supplying arms to paramilitary groups opposing the government, which has exacerbated the ongoing conflict that began in April 2023. This conflict has caused over 13 million people to flee their homes, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis across the nation. In contrast, the UAE refutes these claims and has criticized the Sudanese leadership for failing to pursue peace negotiations.
In a related diplomatic effort, Erdogan hosted discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara. They issued a joint declaration reaffirming Somalia’s territorial integrity while acknowledging the implications of Ethiopia’s maritime negotiations with Somaliland, a territory that Somalia views as a potential threat to its own sovereignty. Such regional dialogues illustrate Turkey’s emerging role as a mediator in East African affairs.
The tensions between Sudan and the UAE stem from Sudan’s accusations that the UAE is arming rival paramilitary forces, contributing to the civil conflict in Sudan that erupted in mid-April 2023. This conflict has led to a mass displacement crisis affecting millions. Turkey’s intervention is part of its broader foreign policy strategy, aiming to position itself as a key diplomatic player in the region by facilitating negotiations and fostering stability. Erdogan’s previous success in mediating between Ethiopia and Somalia further solidifies Turkey’s reputation as a reliable mediator in East African disputes.
In conclusion, Turkey’s President Erdogan has positioned himself as a mediator in the escalating tensions between Sudan and the UAE, following his recent diplomatic successes in East Africa. By advocating for peace, stability, and sovereignty in Sudan, Turkey aims to prevent external interferences while responding to the humanitarian crises. The outcomes of these diplomatic efforts are crucial for the security and stability of the region, highlighting Turkey’s growing involvement in African affairs.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
