Human Rights Watch (HRW) is urging the international community to address the United Arab Emirates’ alleged role in the ongoing Sudan crisis. The organization believes a recent European Parliament resolution serves as a vital catalyst for accountability regarding the armed conflict and the actions of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Highlighting the humanitarian catastrophe in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, HRW detailed how civilians face constant threats, including the destruction of essential utility infrastructure. Investigations found that drone strikes in the region during June resulted in the deaths of at least 45 people. HRW emphasized that this specific EU resolution is notable for openly identifying the UAE as a party contributing to the hostilities.
For years, many global officials avoided directly naming the UAE despite persistent reports of outside interference. HRW research suggests that private military contractors from Colombia, reportedly secured by a firm based in the UAE, utilized Emirati military sites before reaching Sudan to assist the RSF. Furthermore, the watchdog accused the UAE of supplying the RSF with weaponry in breach of the UN arms embargo on Darfur.
To address these violations, HRW is calling on the EU to sanction both the Abu Dhabi-based firm involved and its leadership. Additionally, the group advocates for suspending military and defense partnerships with the UAE until the government demonstrates a complete severance of its ties with the RSF.
