UAE's Mediation Role in Sudan's Crisis: A Critical Move?

The UAE President and Sudan's army chief have discussed Ethiopia's offer to mediate Sudan's 15-month-old war. This marks the first public communication between the two since tensions began. Analysts note the UAE's role could be crucial for ending the conflict, which has caused a severe humanitarian crisis.

The United Arab Emirates' president and the head of Sudan's army have deliberated over an Ethiopian offer to mediate in Sudan's ongoing 15-month-old conflict, according to diplomatic insiders.

This marks the initial public contact between the leaders since the Sudanese army began openly criticising the UAE for allegedly supporting its adversary in the war, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UAE refutes these claims, although U.N. experts find them credible, a controversy that came to a head during a heated U.N. Security Council session in June.

The UAE's state news agency WAM disclosed on Thursday that UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan pledged to back all initiatives to de-escalate and resolve Sudan's crisis. Despite some Sudanese wishing for earlier intervention, analysts say hawkish Islamists, a significant army support base, resist mediation efforts due to distrust of the UAE's role.

In a Friday statement, Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan urged Sheikh Mohammed to withdraw support for the RSF, which he claims are responsible for atrocities in Sudan. Both leaders discussed Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's proposal for ending the war, which started in April 2023 over political transition plans. Despite various mediation attempts, the conflict continues, resulting in severe humanitarian issues and significant displacement.

Diplomats and analysts posit that the UAE, maintaining favorable relations with Sudan's neighbors including Egypt, the army's primary ally, will likely need to contribute to peace efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)