In brief
The turmoil in Sudan escalates with aerial attacks and growing hostilities, while accusations against the UAE for supporting local militia groups intensify.
Sudan has officially severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following persistent accusations that the Gulf nation has been aiding the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during the ongoing civil conflict. This decision was announced by Sudan's Defence Minister Yassin Ibrahim, who cited violations of sovereignty via the RSF, which has reportedly been implicated in recent violent aerial attacks on Port Sudan.The strikes began on Sunday and have continued through the week, challenging the former safety of Port Sudan, a city that had remained relatively stable amidst the civil war. The Sudanese army has claimed that the RSF is responsible for drone attacks targeting vital infrastructure, including an international airport and a major power station. In response, the military successfully thwarted an attempted strike on the country's largest naval base, utilizing anti-aircraft missiles.In light of these developments, Sudan is withdrawing its ambassador from the UAE and shutting its diplomatic missions in the Gulf nation. Amid escalating violence that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, the Sudanese government has accused the UAE of equipping the RSF, a claim that the UAE has categorically denied.International reactions have been mixed, with both the UK and the US urging nations to cease support for the warring factions in Sudan. However, the UN's International Court of Justice recently dismissed Sudan's allegations of genocide against the UAE, ruling that the Gulf state could not be sued under the existing laws related to the Genocide Convention.UAE's Deputy Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, Reem Ketait, commented on the ruling, emphasizing the need for the global community to prioritize humanitarian assistance for the Sudanese people amid ongoing violence and instability. Both the Sudanese army and RSF have faced accusations of committing war crimes as the humanitarian crisis deepens.
