Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of arming a paramilitary force in the country’s 14-month civil war, prompting a clash at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, Sudan’s UN ambassador, accused the UAE late on Tuesday of arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been fighting Sudan’s army since April 2023 and faces accusations of ethnic war crimes. The Sudanese envoy said Khartoum has evidence of the weapons supply and his government will submit a file on UAE actions to the International Criminal Court.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said he had urged the council to “walk the extra mile by naming and shaming the United Arab Emirates”.
Sitting next to Mohamed at the horseshoe-shaped Security Council table, UAE Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab called Sudan’s charge “ludicrous” and designed to distract from “grave violations that are happening on the ground”.
“If they seek an end to the conflict and civilian suffering, then why won’t they come to the Jeddah talks? Why are they blocking aid? What are you waiting for?” Abushahab asked.
In May, the United States and Saudi Arabia sought to resurrect ceasefire talks in Jeddah that stalled last year due to alleged violations of agreements on both sides. Sudan, however, refused to participate.
Aid agencies, which have warned that Sudan is on the brink of the world’s largest hunger crisis, have said aid is being blocked by all of the warring factions in the country.
Credit: aljazeera.com
