UAE Denounces Sudanese Armed Forces’ Disinformation Campaign Regarding UN Report
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has vehemently condemned the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for what it terms a calculated disinformation campaign aimed at distorting the findings of a recent UN Panel of Experts report. The UAE’s strong rebuke comes in response to the SAF’s attempts to manipulate and misrepresent the report’s contents before its official release. Central to the UAE’s condemnation is the SAF’s selective publicizing of confidential information, often taken out of context, to paint a misleading picture of the situation in Sudan. The UAE categorically rejects any insinuations of supporting either the SAF or the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing Sudanese conflict, emphasizing its commitment to neutrality and humanitarian aid.
The heart of the dispute lies in the SAF’s mischaracterization of the UN report, which, according to the UAE, exonerates them from any wrongdoing. The UAE accuses the SAF of exploiting international platforms, including the UN Security Council, to propagate a biased narrative that favors their position in the conflict. This manipulation, the UAE argues, is a deliberate tactic to deflect international scrutiny from the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan and to obscure the grave violations of international law committed by both warring factions.
The UAE’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Mohamed Abushahab, articulated the country’s position in a strongly worded letter to the Security Council. The letter accuses the SAF representative of misusing international forums to promote a skewed narrative and divert attention from the humanitarian catastrophe and violations of international law occurring in Sudan. The UAE asserts that the SAF’s actions constitute a blatant attempt to instrumentalize the UN Panel of Experts’ report for their own political gain, undermining the credibility of the UN and its mechanisms.
Further fueling the UAE’s condemnation is a recent incident involving a foiled attempt to smuggle weapons and military equipment to the SAF through a UAE airport. This attempted smuggling underscores the complex web of illicit activities surrounding the Sudanese conflict and reinforces the UAE’s concerns about the SAF’s conduct. The UAE’s interception of this shipment demonstrates its commitment to upholding international arms embargoes and preventing the further escalation of violence in Sudan. This proactive stance against arms proliferation highlights the UAE’s dedication to regional stability and its efforts to curtail the flow of weapons into conflict zones.
The UAE has consistently maintained a position of neutrality in the Sudanese conflict, emphasizing its dedication to providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the fighting. In its letter to the Security Council, the UAE reiterates its condemnation of both the SAF and RSF for obstructing aid deliveries and violating international humanitarian law. The UAE underscores the fundamental principle that all parties to a conflict are obligated to facilitate the delivery of life-saving assistance and that obstructing such aid is a grave violation of international humanitarian principles.
The UAE’s commitment to humanitarian aid in Sudan is underscored by its substantial contributions. Over the past decade, the UAE has provided over $3.5 billion in aid to Sudan, with over $600 million allocated specifically for humanitarian assistance since the outbreak of the current conflict in April 2023. This assistance has taken the form of 162 relief flights delivering over 12,000 tons of essential supplies, including food, medical equipment, and other relief materials. The UAE’s continued humanitarian efforts demonstrate its unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people and its dedication to promoting peace and stability in the region. The UAE calls upon the international community to hold both the SAF and RSF accountable for their actions and to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to reach those in need. The UAE’s decisive action in foiling the arms smuggling attempt and its condemnation of the SAF’s disinformation campaign demonstrate its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Sudanese conflict and its dedication to upholding international law and humanitarian principles.