Sudanese military dismisses UAE allegations of impeding prohibited weapons trafficking attempt
Rewritten Article:
The Sudanese army has clapped back at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over allegations of foiling an attempt to smuggle illegal weapons to the Sudanese army, as reported by Russia's Sputnik news agency.
A spokesperson for the Sudanese military, Brigadier General Nabil Abdullah, dismissed the accusations as "absurd," "unfounded," and "bizarre." In his words, Sudan is a fully autonomous nation with the right to procure arms from any ally it deems suitable, similar to any country in the world. He emphasized that this issue concerns international relations and global cooperation.
In an earlier statement on Wednesday, UAE's Emirati Attorney General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, revealed that the nation's security services had foiled an attempted smuggling of a massive quantity of illicit military equipment intended for the Sudanese Armed Forces. A network of suspects was arrested on charges of unauthorized mediation, brokering, and contraband trafficking of military equipment.
The culprits were nabbed during an inspection of munitions in a private aircraft at one of the nation's airports, said UAE's state media outlet WAM. However, the identities of the accused remain unclear. The aircraft was carrying approximately five million rounds of 7.54 x 62mm Goryunov-type ammunition.
Headline: UAE under the Microscope over Alleged Arms Deals with Sudan
In recent months, there has been mounting scrutiny over suspected arms shipments from the UAE to factions in Sudan. These allegations suggest that the UAE is fueling the country's two-year conflict, particularly involving the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Below is a condensed summary of the investigative reports and official updates.
Crucial Developments and Reports
- UAE and the RSF: A Controversial Relationship
- The Sudanese army has repeatedly accused the UAE of supplying advanced drones and other weaponry to the RSF, branding the RSF as a "UAE tool for waging war on Sudan." These allegations have been substantiated in public statements and press conferences, with the army calling for international involvement before a potential ICJ ruling on the matter[1].
- Diplomatic sources and international media outlets have reported on the UAE’s alleged role in arming the RSF, with claims that the Emirates are utilizing the RSF as a proxy in Sudan’s conflict[1].
- UAE Denials and Counter-Accusations
- The UAE has consistently denied allegations of arming the RSF, asserting that it does not involve itself in supporting any group within Sudan[2].
- The UAE revealed a separate instance where its authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of military equipment, including millions of rounds of ammunition, bound for the Sudanese army. The UAE Attorney General’s office released details of the operation, implicating a network that allegedly included former Sudanese officials and business associates of General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the army’s commander[3].
- Investigative Findings
- A recent Amnesty International report and investigation uncovered advanced Chinese weaponry, which was allegedly supplied by the UAE, being utilized by the RSF in North Darfur. This included a drone strike launched on March 9, 2025, near al-Malha town, potentially targeting Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)[5].
- Furthermore, an investigation by FRANCE 24 Observers unearthed evidence of European Union-made weapons, which were sold to the UAE, in northern Sudan. These munitions surfaced in RSF-protected territories, raising questions about the arms supply chain to Sudan[4].
Summary Table: Reported Arms Shipments and Sources
| Accuser/Investigator | Allegation/Report | Evidence/Detail ||-------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|| Sudanese Army | UAE provides advanced drones & weaponry to RSF | Public press conferences, international media reports[1] || UAE Government | Denies arming RSF, claims to have disrupted arms shipment to Sudanese army | Official statements, arrest of suspected network involved in arms smuggling[2][3] || Amnesty International | Identifies advanced Chinese weaponry in RSF possession, linked to UAE, in violation of arms embargoes | Investigation of drone strike in North Darfur, weapon tracing[5] || FRANCE 24 Observers | EU-made weapons sold to UAE found in RSF-held territories in Sudan | Physical munitions captured, supply chain investigation[4] |
In a Nutshell
Multiple independent and official sources suggest significant external arms imports to Sudan, with the UAE at the epicenter of speculation. While the Emirates denies supporting any faction, investigative reports and physical evidence indicate intricate supply chains and the use of advanced weaponry in the conflict. The matter remains a topic of concern in ongoing legal and diplomatic proceedings, including at the International Court of Justice[1][3][5].
- The United Nations (UN) has expressed concern over the allegations of arms shipments from the UAE to Sudan, citing the potential impact on war-and-conflicts in the region.
- Russia has taken interest in the UAE's role in the Sudanese conflict, with some political commentators stating that the incident could strain relations between the two countries.
- The Sudanese military, led by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, has issued a statement rejecting the UAE's counter-accusations as ridiculous and unnecessary.
- General news outlets are closely monitoring the ongoing brokering of peace efforts, as the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to escalate.
- The spokesperson for the UAE's Attorney General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, has made a public statement, acknowledging the UAE's interception of a military equipment shipment destined for the Sudanese army, but denying any involvement in arming the RSF.
- The Russian news agency, Sputnik, has reported that the Sudanese military is accusing the UAE of engaging in politics and fueling the war in Sudan through its alleged arms deals with the RSF.
- The international community is watching closely as the Sudanese government and the RSF continue to trade accusations and statements, with the battlefield situation potentially impacting Sudanese politics and global relations.
- In response to the mounting evidence and pressure, the UAE has announced that it is open to war-and-conflicts mediation through the UN, in an effort to prevent further escalation and potential contraband trafficking of military equipment.
