Sudanese General Accuses UAE of Aiding Paramilitary Forces Amidst Internal Conflict

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n a startling revelation, General Yassir al-Atta of Sudan has publicly accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of providing support to the controversial Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking the first official accusation of the UAE’s involvement in Sudan’s intricate war. The conflict has already caused massive displacement and widespread ethnically driven violence, particularly in the Darfur region.

During a speech to the General Intelligence Service, which was later circulated on social media and reported by Reuters, al-Atta claimed that intelligence sources, including military and diplomatic channels, have confirmed the UAE’s logistical backing of the RSF. The RSF, which evolved from the Janjaweed militias, has been a significant force in the government’s efforts to quell rebellions, most notably the crisis in Darfur during the 2000s.

The UAE, when solicited for comments, reiterated its stance advocating for de-escalation and peace talks in Sudan, contrasting with al-Atta’s allegations. Emphasizing its humanitarian role, the UAE pointed to the establishment of a field hospital in Chad to support those affected by the conflict.

Aid to the RSF

General al-Atta also asserted that the UAE had channeled aid to the RSF via other African nations, including Uganda, the Central African Republic, and Chad. This week, aid was reported to have arrived at Ndjamena’s airport in Chad, which had previously seen aid routed through the city of Amdjarass.

In an unexpected turn, al-Atta commended Russia for its action against the Wagner Group, a paramilitary organization allegedly involved in supporting the RSF. The RSF has refuted any connections with Wagner Group.

The RSF has recently gained a strategic advantage in the conflict, seizing several states within the Darfur region and accumulating advanced military equipment, including drones and artillery. This has led to increased scrutiny of the origins of such weaponry, with some claiming it was captured from military bases.

Mixed responses

Responses to General al-Atta’s claims have been mixed, with Uganda’s state minister for foreign affairs dismissing them as “absolute rubbish.” Meanwhile, the Sudanese army, Chad, and the CAR have yet to provide official statements.

In a video released by the army, references to the UAE were notably absent, which some observers have interpreted as a potential edit. This comes as General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the army leader and al-Atta’s superior, announced an impending visit to the UAE, coinciding with the U.N. climate summit COP28.

The UAE’s involvement in Sudan has been multifaceted, including supporting a failed political transition post-2019 and engaging in economic ventures, such as building a Red Sea port and investing in agriculture.

As the conflict in Sudan escalates, the international community watches closely, weighing the implications of foreign interference and the prospects for peace and stability in a region long-torn by strife and political upheaval.

Source: Reuters