ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has demanded an immediate ceasefire and civilian transition in war-torn Sudan.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, emphasised the urgent need for safety and stability during the Reuters NEXT Gulf Summit in Abu Dhabi.
He stated that Sudan’s future should involve civilian leadership rather than military rule.
Gargash confirmed that Sudan currently prevents the UAE from operating in a humanitarian capacity similar to its Gaza operations.
The UAE stands ready to significantly increase its assistance efforts once granted permission by Sudanese authorities.
Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been battling for control since April 2023.
This conflict has created what United Nations officials describe as the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis.
Current fighting centres on al-Fashir, the army’s final stronghold in the Darfur region.
The Rapid Support Forces aims to establish al-Fashir as the base for its parallel government formed earlier this year.
Sudan’s military has repeatedly accused the UAE of supporting the Rapid Support Forces with advanced weapons and mercenary fighters.
The UAE has consistently denied providing any military support to Sudanese paramilitary forces.
Gargash acknowledged that regional influence inevitably attracts such allegations from various quarters.
Relations between the two nations have deteriorated significantly in recent months.
The UAE has recently imposed a de facto embargo on Sudanese gold exports according to traders and officials.
This gold embargo represents a substantial economic blow to Sudan’s already struggling economy. – Reuters
