A significant power struggle is occurring between Egypt and the UAE in Sudan’s civil war, with Egypt supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces and the UAE backing the Rapid Support Forces. Sanctions have been imposed on leaders from both sides, and the UAE’s claims of neutrality have been challenged. Egypt faces existential threats from the conflict and engages in diplomatic efforts to mediate and stabilize Sudan amid growing humanitarian crises.
In the midst of Sudan’s civil war, a power struggle unfolds between Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Egypt supports the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), while the UAE backs the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in this conflict, which began on April 15, 2023. The fighting has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, endangering the stability of Sudan.
Recently, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on notable figures from both factions, including RSF chief Hemedti and SAF General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. These sanctions were due to their alleged involvement in a genocide and obstruction of peace efforts. The UAE’s involvement in supporting the RSF has raised eyebrows, and the government’s claims of neutrality have met significant skepticism at the congressional level.
Egypt’s support for the SAF is clear, with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasizing the importance of the Sudanese army in maintaining stability during a press conference. Egypt also seeks to enhance the capabilities of the SAF, aligning its regional strategy with partners like Eritrea and Somalia. The divergent strategies of Egypt and the UAE in Sudan’s conflict reveal underlying tensions despite their cooperation on numerous regional issues.
Egypt has historically relied on the UAE for economic support, especially following the 2013 military ousting of the Muslim Brotherhood government. Recently, the UAE invested $35 billion in Egypt’s tourism sector. Yet, this economic partnership struggles to overshadow their opposing positions on Sudan, highlighting the complexity of their alliance.
Egypt views the SAF as vital for its national security and stability along the shared southern border, particularly given the influx of over 1.2 million Sudanese refugees since April 2023. The potential collapse of Sudan poses existential risks to Egypt, compounding its Nile water security challenges amid tensions with Ethiopia.
Sudan has been Egypt’s ally in countering threats like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Despite Sudan’s current turmoil, its foreign minister reaffirmed allegiance to Egypt, underscoring the precarious nature of their collaboration as upstream nations exploit Sudan’s instability for their own gains.
The ongoing conflict has thwarted the UAE’s strategic objectives in Sudan, particularly its plans for port development aimed at accessing natural resources, due to the RSF’s inability to seize control effectively. These setbacks complicate the UAE’s strategic ambitions in the region, leading to tensions in their approach toward Sudan’s governance.
Egypt aims to stabilize the SAF as a pivotal institution in Sudan’s governance, while the UAE favors a more extractive approach concerning Sudan’s resources. Consequently, the two nations’ disagreements over Sudan’s future governance reflect broader geopolitical divides shaping their roles in the region.
Sudan’s government seeks direct negotiations with the UAE on the condition that support for the RSF ceases. This opens up the possibility for dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by years of violence.
With Egypt positioned as a potential mediator, collaboration between Cairo and Abu Dhabi is vital for a ceasefire and long-term stabilization in Sudan. The United States could contribute by encouraging dialogue between the two nations, striving to bring about mutual understanding to avert further deterioration of the situation in Sudan.
The article examines the geopolitical conflict between Egypt and the UAE in Sudan amidst the country’s ongoing civil war. It highlights how Egypt supports the Sudanese Armed Forces, fearing instability along its borders, while the UAE backs the Rapid Support Forces for resource-driven motives. These competing interests have profound implications for the stability of Sudan and the affected regional dynamics, including refugee flows and water security issues related to the Nile River.
The escalating conflict in Sudan has created a complex power struggle between Egypt and the UAE, with profound implications for both regional stability and humanitarian conditions. While Egypt champions the SAF as a stabilizing force, the UAE’s strategic motivations regarding resource acquisition complicate their relationship. Effective mediation efforts between these two nations could pave the way for a resolution to the conflict, ensuring future stability and security in Sudan and the region.
Original Source: responsiblestatecraft.org