Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday condemned the 'horrific crimes' against civilians across Sudan, warning that the targeting of residential areas and vital infrastructure marks a 'dangerous escalation' and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry described the attacks, including recent violence in the city of El-Fasher, as 'a crime against humanity' that necessitates 'a unified and decisive international position' to halt the country's worsening conflict.
According to Anadolu Agency, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state and a strategic city in the region, on October 26. This takeover involved massacres of civilians, as reported by local and international organizations, leading to warnings that the capture could lead to the geographic division of the war-torn country. In response, Abu Dhabi expressed full support for regional and international efforts to implement an immediate humanitarian truce and a nationwide ceasefire to allow aid to reach affected communities and alleviate the 'ongoing suffering of civilians' since the war began.
The UAE Foreign Ministry urged the conflicting parties to 'fully assume their responsibilities' to protect civilians and ensure the rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. It also condemned the exploitation of humanitarian needs or aid supplies 'for political or military purposes.' The statement commended the recent joint declaration by the international Quad for Sudan, consisting of the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, as a 'historic step' that accurately identifies the roots of the conflict and provides a clear roadmap: a humanitarian truce followed by a civilian-led political transition.
On September 12, the Quad called for a three-month humanitarian truce in Sudan to facilitate the delivery of emergency aid to all areas as a precursor to a permanent ceasefire. The UAE reiterated that there is 'no military solution' to the conflict and noted that regional and international consensus, as reflected in the Quad's statement, represents 'important support for Sudan's unity and the path to peace.'
Abu Dhabi renewed its call for an immediate nationwide ceasefire and a 'comprehensive political dialogue' as the only way to end the war, preserve Sudan's territorial integrity, and relieve the humanitarian crisis facing 'the brotherly Sudanese people.' Out of Sudan's 18 states, the RSF currently controls all five states of the Darfur region in the west, except for some northern areas in North Darfur that remain under army control. The Sudanese army controls most of the remaining 13 states in the south, north, east, and central regions, including the capital, Khartoum.
Since April 15, 2023, the Sudanese army and the RSF have been entrenched in a conflict that regional and international mediations have failed to resolve. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions.