Reuters, in an exclusive report, revealed an internal memo confirming that the United Arab Emirates funded the construction of a camp for the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces in neighboring Ethiopia. This development casts doubt on international efforts to end the bloody conflict in Sudan and raises serious questions about the role of regional actors in fueling the conflict.
Background of the Sudanese conflict and the role of regional powers
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 between the country's two main military forces: the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, led by Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). This conflict followed months of escalating tensions between the two sides, who had been partners in government after the ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The conflict has led to a widespread humanitarian catastrophe, with millions displaced from their homes and basic services collapsing in large parts of the country.
Throughout the conflict, the UAE has been repeatedly accused of providing military and logistical support to the Rapid Support Forces, accusations which Abu Dhabi has repeatedly denied, emphasizing its position calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to political dialogue, and pointing to its significant humanitarian efforts in the region.
The importance of the detection and its potential effects
Confirming the existence of an Emirati training and funding camp for the Rapid Support Forces on the territory of a third country such as Ethiopia carries serious implications on several levels:
- On the Sudanese level: This support, if proven conclusively, is considered a major factor in prolonging the war and strengthening the military capabilities of the Rapid Support Forces, which complicates any attempts to reach a peaceful settlement and increases the suffering of the Sudanese people.
- Regionally, the presence of such a camp in Ethiopia raises questions about Addis Ababa's stance on the Sudanese conflict and could strain its relations with the official Sudanese government (represented by the military). It also highlights the transformation of the Sudanese conflict into a proxy war in which regional powers are vying for influence in the strategic Horn of Africa.
- Internationally, this revelation places the UAE under increasing diplomatic pressure from Western powers and international organizations seeking to impose an arms embargo and prevent foreign interference in Sudan. It could also damage the UAE's image as a neutral mediator in regional conflicts.
In conclusion, the Reuters report represents a potential turning point in understanding the external dynamics of the Sudanese conflict, and underscores the urgent need for an effective international mechanism to monitor foreign interference and hold accountable those parties that contribute to the continuation of this devastating war.
