The United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday accused the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) of carrying out an airstrike on its ambassador’s residence in the south of Sudan’s capital Khartoum. The SAF denied responsibility for the attack.
In a strongly worded statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the airstrike, saying SAF aircraft targeted the ambassador’s residence and caused significant damage to the building. No casualties were reported.
The ministry called the attack “despicable” and called for Sudan’s military to take full responsibility. The UAE also expressed concern about the security of Sudan’s diplomatic mission.
The Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that it plans to lodge a formal protest with the Arab League, African Union and United Nations. The government described the attack as a “clear violation” of international law and diplomatic protocol, and stressed that the safety of diplomatic staff and diplomatic missions must be protected.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budawi also condemned the attack. Although he declined to directly name the SAF, he called on the Sudanese government to ensure the protection of all diplomatic facilities and personnel, stressing that such violations are unacceptable under international norms.
El-Badawi reiterated the GCC’s commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty and stability and urged both the Sudanese government and the militia Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to join peace negotiations, including efforts such as the Jeddah Platform. urged.
SAF categorically denied the UAE’s claims. In a statement this morning, a military spokesperson insisted the military was “not targeting diplomatic missions” and instead “blamed terrorists and insurgents.” [Dagalo] Militias who committed such acts” (RSF).
The military reaffirmed its right to protect Sudan from attack. [RSF] He said the militias were a threat to the country’s sovereignty.
और देखें
_القيادة العامة للقوات المسلحة_
30/2024
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News News News News News News News News News News News News News News News News الآت المنظمات الأممية… pic.twitter.com/KH5tTRXjh4
— Sudan (@SudaneseAF) September 30, 2024
tense relationship
Several months after war broke out between the SAF and RSF in Khartoum on April 15, 2023, reports regarding military support to the RSF by the UAE emerged.
In November 2023, SAF deputy commander Lieutenant General Yassir El Atta issued harsh criticism of the UAE and other countries he accused of supporting the RSF. This caused unrest among Sudanese living in the UAE, Sudan’s main trading partner for the past 20 years, and led to the expulsion of 15 Emirati diplomats from Port Sudan. A month later, U.S. members of Congress asked the UAE foreign minister to end the country’s support for the RSF.
On June 18, 2024, representatives of Sudan and the UAE clashed over this issue during a session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
At the end of June 2024, the UAE suspended emergency residence permits for Sudanese refugees.
Last week, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed met with US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. To political analyst Mohamed Herika’s surprise, their meeting focused on Sudan rather than the expected topics such as the Russia-Ukraine war or the Gaza conflict.