UAE Condemns Sudanese Armed Forces’ Disinformation Campaign Regarding UN Report
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has vehemently denounced the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for disseminating what it terms a "disinformation campaign" surrounding a recent report by the UN Panel of Experts on Sudan. The UAE contends that the SAF has selectively publicized confidential information, distorted excerpts out of context, and misrepresented the report’s findings even before its official release. This condemnation follows the UAE’s prior rejection of allegations leveled by the SAF after a UN Security Council report exonerated the UAE of any wrongdoing in the Sudanese conflict. This escalating war of words underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the ongoing Sudanese crisis and the heightened scrutiny faced by international actors involved in the region.
The UAE’s rebuke was delivered in a strongly worded letter penned by Mohamed Abushahab, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The letter categorically refutes any suggestion of UAE support for either of the warring factions in Sudan – the SAF or the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – since the outbreak of the devastating civil war in April 2023. The UAE accuses the SAF representative of exploiting international platforms, including the Security Council itself, to propagate a biased narrative that favors the SAF. This manipulation, according to the UAE, is part of a larger strategy to deflect international attention from the humanitarian catastrophe engulfing Sudan and the grave violations of international law perpetrated by both sides of the conflict.
The UAE’s letter further criticizes the SAF for attempting to instrumentalize the UN Panel of Experts’ report to further its own agenda. The UAE emphasizes that the Security Council should not tolerate the misuse of its platforms and the distortion of its reports. The UAE’s stance reveals a growing concern over the manipulation of information in the context of the Sudanese conflict and the potential for such tactics to undermine international efforts to address the crisis.
The UAE’s condemnation of the SAF’s disinformation campaign coincides with the UAE’s recent interception of an attempt to smuggle weapons and military equipment to the SAF through an airport within the UAE. This incident highlights the UAE’s commitment to upholding international arms embargoes and preventing the further escalation of violence in Sudan. The UAE has consistently maintained its neutrality in the conflict and emphasized its dedication to supporting the Sudanese people through humanitarian aid.
Underscoring its humanitarian commitment, the UAE has called out both the SAF and the RSF for obstructing aid deliveries and violating international humanitarian law. The letter emphasizes the principle that no party to a conflict has the right to impede the provision of life-saving assistance. The UAE’s condemnation resonates with the broader international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where millions are facing severe food shortages and lack access to essential medical care. The obstruction of aid deliveries by both warring factions has exacerbated the suffering of the Sudanese population and complicated international relief efforts.
The UAE has consistently highlighted its longstanding support for the Sudanese people, citing over $3.5 billion in aid provided over the past decade and more than $600 million in humanitarian assistance since the eruption of the conflict in 2023. This aid has been delivered through 162 relief flights, carrying over 12,000 tons of food, medical supplies, and other essential relief materials. The UAE’s substantial humanitarian contribution underscores its commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people and its determination to play a constructive role in addressing the humanitarian crisis. The UAE’s actions demonstrate a commitment to supporting the Sudanese people regardless of the political dynamics at play, and serve as a reminder of the critical need for continued international humanitarian assistance in the region. The UAE’s staunch defense of the UN report’s integrity and its condemnation of the SAF’s actions highlight the importance of upholding factual accuracy and promoting transparency in addressing the complex challenges posed by the Sudanese conflict.