The UAE condemned a reported attack on its ambassador’s residence in Khartoum by a Sudanese military aircraft, calling it a “heinous attack”. The Sudanese military has not yet responded to the claim. Tensions have escalated as the Sudanese army accuses the UAE of supporting the RSF amid a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of Sudanese citizens.
On Monday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that the residence of its ambassador in Khartoum was assaulted by a military aircraft belonging to Sudan. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized this incident as a “heinous attack” and highlighted that the assault resulted in substantial damage to the ambassadorial residence. In response to the UAE’s claims, the Sudanese military has not provided an immediate counterstatement. The tension between the UAE and Sudan escalated as the Sudanese army has persistently accused the UAE of supplying arms and support to the paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is engaged in a protracted conflict that began in April of the prior year over the transition to democratic elections. In contrast, the UAE has denied these allegations, despite United Nations (U.N.) sanctions monitors asserting that credible accusations exist regarding the UAE’s military assistance to the RSF. The ongoing conflict has precipitated a humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with the U.N. reporting that nearly 25 million individuals—approximately half the Sudanese population—are in dire need of aid, and famine conditions are imminent as around 8 million people have fled their homes due to the violence. The UAE statement underscored the necessity of safeguarding diplomatic premises and the residences of embassy personnel, in accordance with the established treaties and customs that govern diplomatic relations.
The conflict in Sudan has been ongoing since April of the previous year, emerging from disputes regarding the transition to elections following years of upheaval. The rivalry between the Sudanese army and the RSF has resulted in extensive human suffering, with millions affected by violence and humanitarian needs escalating dramatically. The allegations concerning the UAE’s involvement in supporting the RSF have further complicated the geopolitical landscape in the region, raising concerns over the protection of diplomatic entities within conflict zones.
In summary, the recent assault on the UAE ambassador’s residence in Khartoum has heightened tensions between the UAE and Sudan, amidst ongoing accusations regarding the UAE’s support for the RSF. The humanitarian implications of this conflict are dire, with millions of Sudanese citizens in need of urgent help. The UAE’s call for the protection of diplomatic premises reflects the broader issues of international diplomatic safety in times of war.
Original Source: www.voanews.com