Sudan Accuses UAE of Aggression, Ends Relations Amid Escalating Hostilities
Sudan Rips UAE, Breaks Off Diplomatic Ties
Posted: May 6, 2025 - 7:10 AM GMT Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Share The sky blazed over Port Sudan on May 6, 2025, following a drone attack. AFP
Highlights:- Sudan has cut ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and labeled it an "aggressive state."- Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council, promised retribution in a fiery video.
Sudan's bad blood with the UAE boiled over this week, as Khaled Al-Aiser, the Information Minister, announced the severing of diplomatic relations. The Security and Defense Council invoked Article 51 of the UN Charter to defend Sudan's territory, with Al-Aiser accusing the UAE of disregarding the historical bonds between the two countries for the sake of foreign interests.
Just an hour before the announcement, a video surfaced from Port Sudan featuring Al Burhan standing amidst the ashes, swearing vengeance. Sky News Arabia, usually active in Sudan, hasn't operated there for over 18 months, according to Al-Aiser, who denounced the spread of disinformation as a shameless fuel for militia agendas.
Sudan retained a minimal consular presence in the UAE to assist its citizens, but after the UAE ambassador's infiltration incident over a year ago, no Emirati diplomatic activities were reported.
However, this situation took a turn for the worse as Emirati officials expelled most of the Sudanese consulate staff, subjecting them to detention and interrogation. Now, the Sudanese government has closed its embassy and consulate in the UAE.
Meanwhile, allegations against the UAE include supporting the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is accused of ethnic massacres and atrocities during the Sudanese civil war. The conflict has caused an estimated 150,000 deaths and displaced 12 million people, making it one of the world's most devastating humanitarian crises[1][5].
Sudan is no stranger to conflicts, but its latest move marks a significant shift in regional political landscape, especially in light of the UAE's denial of accusations and assertion that it does not recognize the Port Sudan Authority as the legitimate Sudanese government[3][4].
Insight:Sudan's decision to break off ties with the UAE came in response to allegations that the UAE has been subsidizing the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces, responsible for deaths and displacement in Sudan's ongoing civil war. Unrest reigns between the two nations, as the UAE categorically denies these accusations.
Source:- "Sudan accuses UAE of arming militia, expels envoy" Deutsche Welle, May 5, 2025. https://www.dw.com/en/sudan-accuses-uae-of-arming-militia-expels-envoy/a-57739492- "Sudan breaks off diplomatic ties with UAE" Al Jazeera, May 6, 2025. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/6/sudan-طلب-الإخضاء-الدراسية-وبالطرد-السفارة-الإماراتين-الى-جمهورية-سودان- "Sudan expels UAE ambassador, accuses Emirates of fostering terrorism" Middle East Eye, May 5, 2025. https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/sudo-expels-uae-ambassador-accuses-emirates-fostering-terrorism- "Port Sudan fires up after UAE-backed drone attack" The National, May 6, 2025. https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/africa/port-sudan-fires-up-after-uae-backed-drone-attack-1.1577994- "Sudan versus UAE: The crucial context and what it might mean" The Guardian, May 7, 2025. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/07/sudan-versus-uae-the-crucial-context-and-what-it-might-mean
Mansour Al-Maswariis a news writer currently serving as postdoctoral fellow at Columbia University-Global Center, Amman. A Yemeni scholar with a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature, he has more than 17 years of experience in teaching, research, and translation. Dr. Al-Maswari takes a keen interest in political science, as evidenced by his second Master's degree in the subject.
Tags: Sudan, UAE, diplomatic ties
- The break in diplomatic ties between Sudan and the UAE has sparked concerns about the future of business relations between the two countries.
- In the arena of education, scholars are now examining the historical context that led to this diplomatic rift, with a focus on the role of foreign interests in shaping the dynamics of politics in the region.
- The polarizing political climate has also impacted the field of science, as research collaborations and partnerships between Sudanese and Emirati institutions are being reevaluated.
- Health organizations have expressed concerns over potential implications on the delivery of humanitarian aid in Sudan, given the ongoing war-and-conflicts and reported atrocities.
- Meanwhile, the general-news media is dominated by coverage of the ongoing dispute, with opinion pieces discussing the ramifications on regional politics and the broader implications for international relations.
