Sudan Requests Emergency UN Meeting Over Alleged UAE Support for Paramilitary Forces

Sudan has requested an emergency UN meeting to address its allegations that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is providing weapons and equipment to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, which is fighting against the Sudanese army. Sudan's UN representative submitted the request, citing the UAE's "hostility towards the Sudanese people" and support for the "terrorist militia" of the RSF.

The UAE has denied these allegations in a letter to the Security Council, calling them "false and baseless." The UN Security Council has also expressed "deep concern" over the escalating fighting in Sudan's North Darfur region, warning of a possible imminent offensive by the RSF and allied militias on the city of El Fasher, which is the last Darfur state capital not under RSF control.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of over 8.5 million, which the UN has called the "largest displacement crisis in the world." In December 2023, Khartoum asked 15 Emirati diplomats to leave the country after a senior army commander accused Abu Dhabi of supporting the paramilitary forces.

Why this matters: The escalating tensions and fighting in Sudan threaten to further destabilize the region and worsen the humanitarian crisis. The alleged involvement of foreign powers like the UAE in supporting armed groups raises concerns about the internationalization of the conflict and its potential to spread into neighboring countries.

The UN Security Council has called on the warring parties in Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, to immediately halt the military build-up and take steps to de-escalate the situation in El Fasher. The dire situation is compounded by a severe shortage of essential supplies as deliveries of commercial goods and humanitarian aid have been heavily constrained by the fighting and access challenges through RSF-controlled territory.

Top UN officials have warned that around 800,000 people in El Fasher are in "extreme and immediate danger" as the violence advances. The UN Secretary-General's personal envoy is engaging with the rival parties to de-escalate the situation, and the UN has called on the parties to allow safe passage for civilians to leave El Fasher. The United States has also urged an immediate ceasefire in and around the city.

The year-old war in Sudan between the military and the RSF has been fueled by weapons from foreign supporters who continue to flout UN sanctions. The Darfur Lawyers Association warns that if the war reaches El Fasher, it will be the most severe yet with devastating consequences for all of Sudan. The UN has said that nearly 25 million people, half of Sudan's population, need aid and some 8 million have fled their homes, emphasizing the need for <a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/mena/uae-expresses-deep-concern-over-heightened-tensions-in-sudans-

Key Takeaways

• Sudan requests UN meeting on UAE's alleged support for RSF paramilitary group.
• UN Security Council expresses concern over escalating fighting in Sudan's North Darfur.
• Conflict in Sudan has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and 8.5M displaced.
• Tensions threaten to destabilize region, worsen humanitarian crisis, and spread to neighbors.
• UN, US call for immediate ceasefire as 800,000 in El Fasher face "extreme danger".