On Tuesday, Sudan’s Security and Defense Council announced it has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), declaring the Gulf country a « hostile state. » The decision includes the withdrawal of Sudan’s embassy and consulate general from the UAE, according to Sudan’s official news agency (SUNA).
The Council accused the UAE of supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in its ongoing conflict against the Sudanese army, a war that has raged since April 2023. The UAE has repeatedly denied any involvement or support for the RSF.
The Sudanese Security and Defense Council accused the UAE of escalating its support for the RSF by supplying advanced weapons, enabling attacks on vital infrastructure. Sudan stated it reserves the right to respond to protect its sovereignty and civilians. This comes after drone strikes in Port Sudan and the ICJ’s dismissal of Sudan’s genocide case against the UAE over Darfur.