UAE’s two years of peace diplomacy towards Sudan

The diplomatic positions adopted by the United Arab Emirates towards the conflict in the sisterly Republic of Sudan since mid-April 2023 have embodied the UAE’s policy and sincere efforts to seek a political solution capable of sparing the Sudanese people from tragedy and humanitarian suffering. These efforts align with both Arab and international positions. In contrast, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SRF) and their representatives chose to antagonise the UAE and shirk responsibility by fabricating malicious accusations before the International Court of Justice — accusations which the Court later dismissed and decided to drop the case. The military authority, embroiled in a civil conflict, continued evading peace efforts and ultimately decided to sever diplomatic relations with the UAE.

The UAE responded with absolute clarity, stating that Sudan and its noble people are in dire need of a civilian and independent leadership — one that prioritises the people’s interests above all, rather than killing half of its population and starving and displacing the other half.

The UAE clarified that it does not recognise the decision made by the authority in Port Sudan, asserting that this authority does not represent the legitimate government of Sudan or its honourable people. It further emphasised that the statement issued by the so-called Security and Defence Council would not affect the strong and enduring relations between the UAE and the Republic of Sudan and their brotherly peoples.

The UAE reaffirmed its consistent position of not providing any military support to any party involved in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This stance was communicated to the United Nations and was supported by the absence of any allegations against the UAE in the UN Panel of Experts’ report on Sudan sanctions.

For more than two years, the UAE has remained firm in its stance on the senseless conflict in Sudan, continuously advocating and supporting peaceful solutions that preserve the country’s unity and protect the blood of its people. These efforts are reflected in the UAE’s diplomatic initiatives from the onset of the crisis to the present day, as detailed in the following report.

Following the outbreak of conflict in mid-April 2023, the UAE took a clear and decisive stance by urging all warring parties to de-escalate, exercise restraint, and work toward resolving the crisis through dialogue. Between April 29 and June 2, 2023, the UAE launched a series of evacuation flights to rescue its citizens and nationals from friendly countries stranded in Sudan, aiming to protect civilians and keep them out of harm’s way during a period of escalating violence. The UAE carried out 10 evacuation flights, airlifting 997 individuals representing about 26 different nationalities. The evacuees received comprehensive care during their stay in the UAE until they could return to their respective countries. The UAE prioritised the most vulnerable groups in these evacuations, including patients, children, the elderly, and women.

Amid the growing signs of security breakdown in Sudan, the UAE strongly condemned on May 3, 2023, the storming of the Cultural Attaché of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, by an armed group that vandalised the premises and seized some of its property. The UAE emphasised the importance of protecting diplomatic buildings in accordance with the norms and conventions that govern diplomatic work. It denounced this criminal act and reiterated its firm rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism.

On May 12, 2023, the UAE welcomed the Jeddah Declaration, signed by representatives of both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces under the auspices of Saudi Arabia and the United States. The declaration committed both parties to protecting civilians in Sudan in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights law, to facilitate relief efforts and address civilians’ urgent needs.

The UAE praised the 10-day ceasefire agreement included in the declaration, which aimed to enable the delivery of humanitarian aid and relief supplies. It described the agreement as a significant step toward ending the crisis and sparing the Sudanese people further suffering.

On June 7, 2023, a joint statement from the Friends of Sudan group — including the UAE, France, Germany, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the UK, the US, and the European Union — expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan. The statement highlighted reports of violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, including widespread looting of humanitarian supplies. The group strongly urged the warring parties to cease hostilities and attacks on civilians, agree to an effective and sustainable ceasefire, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, uphold international humanitarian law, and work towards resuming the political process.

On July 14, 2023, the UAE welcomed the final communiqué issued at the Sudan Neighbouring Countries Summit held in Cairo. The communiqué emphasised the importance of preserving Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting its national resources, and preventing its disintegration, while calling for non-interference in its internal affairs.

On November 15, 2023, the UAE participated in a virtual ministerial meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council to discuss developments in Sudan. The UAE reiterated its firm position that there must be an immediate ceasefire as a fundamental requirement, and called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis between the conflicting parties.

The UAE also stressed the importance of supporting the political process, achieving national consensus, and forming a government that would enhance Sudan’s security and stability, while fulfilling the aspirations of its people for development and prosperity.

On March 9, 2024, the UAE welcomed the UN Security Council’s resolution calling for a ceasefire in Sudan during the month of Ramadan, amidst the ongoing deterioration of the humanitarian situation. The UAE also participated on April 14, 2024, in the International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan, held in Paris, which aimed to advance peace initiatives for the country. The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international efforts for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. It also pledged $100 million to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan and neighbouring countries. During the meetings, a Declaration of Principles was adopted to support a resolution to the conflict, ongoing since April 2023, and to reinforce humanitarian and diplomatic efforts to address the severe challenges facing the Sudanese people. On April 27, 2024, the UAE expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in Al-Fashir, North Darfur, and the threat this poses to civilians. It called on all armed factions, including the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, to end hostilities, return to dialogue, and honour their commitments.

On June 26, 2024, the UAE signed three agreements with key UN partners to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan. These included Memorandums of Understanding with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Additionally, a Letter of Intent was signed with UNICEF, aiming to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and support the most affected populations by the war. On June 30, 2024, the UAE issued a significant statement to the UN Security Council, urging urgent action to avert an imminent famine in Sudan. It reiterated its support for all initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire and a return to civilian government, including a formal invitation to all relevant parties and warring factions to participate in the Jeddah Talks.

On July 16, 2024, the UAE, along with 14 partner and friendly countries, expressed grave concern in a joint statement regarding the findings of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, published on June 27, 2024. The report warned that, after 14 months of conflict, 25.6 million people across 14 regions of Sudan are facing an unprecedented level of food insecurity, with several areas at risk of famine. On July 25, 2024, the UAE participated in the Sudan Mediators Retreat held in Djibouti, attended by 32 countries and regional/international organisations. The retreat focused on aligning efforts and creating a shared vision for peace in Sudan.

WAM