The UAE’s double game in Sudan: Aid and arms

A few days ago, the New York Times published an article UAE's involvement in Sudan's civil war (How a U.S. Ally Uses Aid as a Cover in War), highlighting the depth of the UAE’s involvement in the conflict and its broader strategic ambitions in Africa, while, along with other factors, contributing to the worsening Sudan's humanitarian crisis.

Here's a brief rundown and some comments:

UAE’s Covert Role: While publicly presenting itself as a humanitarian actor in Sudan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been covertly supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group involved in atrocities, ethnic cleansing, and the Sudanese civil war. This support includes providing arms, money, and advanced military drones. "The Emirates promised Mr. Déby a $1.5 billion loan, nearly as big as Chad’s$ 1.8 billion national budget a year earlier."
Weapon Smuggling Under Humanitarian Cover: The UAE has used humanitarian aid as a cover for smuggling weapons. They operate a base in Chad, ostensibly for humanitarian purposes under the Red Crescent banner, but use it to transport arms and drones into Sudan. US officials have evidence of this arms smuggling, which violates a two-decade UN arms embargo in Sudan.
Drones’ Impact: The UAE provided Wing Loong 2 drones, powerful Chinese-made drones, to support the RSF. These drones provide battlefield surveillance and help secure weapon convoys, giving the RSF significant operational advantages. The drones are controlled from a base in Chad and possibly remotely from UAE soil, and are important to the current conflict centered around El Fasher.
The UAE’s Strategic Interests: The UAE views the RSF as a regional ally, particularly because of its opposition to Islamist political movements, which the Emirati leadership sees as a threat to their authority. The RSF also supported the UAE militarily in the war in Yemen, influencing the UAE’s ongoing support. The UAE’s involvement is part of a broader strategy to increase its influence in Africa, following its success in turning the tide of the Ethiopian civil war in 2021 through similar drone support. Sudan’s strategic location on the Red Sea is crucial, and the UAE seems determined to maintain its influence, especially as rival powers like Iran also seek a foothold.
International Criticism and Tensions: The UAE’s dual role has drawn criticism from international organizations, particularly for misusing the Red Crescent symbol, which is protected under the Geneva Conventions. The Biden administration has confronted UAE leadership over these activities, but so far, these confrontations have had limited impact on Emirati actions.
Proxy War Dynamics: The conflict in Sudan has attracted foreign intervention from multiple countries, including Iran, Russia, and Egypt. The UAE, along with other powers like Russia (through Wagner mercenaries) and Iran, is heavily involved in arming different sides of the conflict. The arms and military aid have escalated the war, leading to what has been described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
Allegations of War Crimes: Both sides in the conflict, including the RSF, have been accused of war crimes. The UAE’s support to the RSF has led to accusations of fueling atrocities, with evidence of weapons being used in ethnic cleansing operations in Darfur.
Interesting note on US sanctions: "General Hamdan’s 34-year-old brother, Algoney Hamdan, has lived in Dubai since 2014 and was singled out by American sanctions. Yet he is now an interlocutor for stuttering peace efforts. Speaking in Switzerland during last month’s talks, Mr. Hamdan brushed off the U.S. measures against him."

Definitely read the article for the full details, and let's hope people think through the implications of using aid as a cover for importing weapons, which could have devastating impacts on future aid efforts.