The United Arab Emirates expressed strong condemnation on Monday after an attack on the residence of its ambassador in conflict-ridden Sudan left significant damage.
The wealthy Gulf nation, which has consistently dismissed claims of its involvement in the ongoing conflict, held the Sudanese armed forces responsible for this “appalling” incident.
In response, Sudan’s military denied any involvement, asserting that it does not target diplomatic facilities. The army, however, has accused the UAE of providing support to the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with whom it has been in conflict since April 2023. This war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.
The official news agency, WAM, reported that the UAE “strongly condemned the despicable attack” which was attributed to a Sudanese army aircraft. This incident caused extensive damage to the ambassador’s residence. WAM urged the Sudanese military to take full responsibility for this “cowardly act,” labeling it as a “blatant violation of the inviolability of diplomatic premises.”
In contrast, the Sudanese military rejected the UAE’s claims, asserting, “We condemn and deny these accusations.” They insisted that they do not attack the premises of diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies, or humanitarian organizations, nor do they use them as military bases or ransack their property.
A statement from the army declared, “The true perpetrators of these heinous and cowardly acts are the terrorist, rebel militia (RSF), who are supported by nations known to the global community.”
Eyewitness reports from Khartoum detailed intense clashes occurring in various parts of the capital over the last four days, marking a significant escalation in the violence.
In June, Sudan’s UN ambassador, Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, claimed that Abu Dhabi had been providing both financial and military assistance to the RSF, which he identified as the primary cause of the protracted conflict.
The UAE has categorically rejected any allegations of supporting the RSF, characterizing them as “disinformation” and emphasizing its commitment to promoting de-escalation and addressing Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
