By Hannington Mbabazi

NEW YORK – A heated confrontation erupted at the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday as Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) traded accusations over the UAE’s alleged support for a rival faction in Sudan’s ongoing conflict.

The clash took place during a Security Council session where Sudan’s UN Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith Mohamed accused the UAE of providing weapons and support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in a 14-month-long conflict with the Sudanese army.

“The military aggression launched by the Rapid Support militia, supported with weapons by the Emirates, is deliberately and systematically targeting the villages and cities,” Ambassador Mohamed declared.

Sitting next to his Sudanese counterpart, UAE UN Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “ludicrous” and false. He argued that Sudan’s accusations were a distraction from the grave violations occurring on the ground.

“These allegations are designed to distract from the grave violations that are happening on the ground,” Abushahab said. “If they seek an end to the conflict and civilian suffering, then why won’t they come to the Jeddah talks? Why are they blocking aid? What are you waiting for?”

The conflict in Sudan, which began in April of last year, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis. The UN reports that nearly 25 million people—half of Sudan’s population—need aid, with famine looming and around eight million people displaced from their homes.

UN sanctions monitors have labelled the accusations against the UAE as “credible,” noting allegations that the country had provided military support to the RSF. The UAE, however, has consistently denied any involvement in military support to Sudan’s warring factions.

In response to the ongoing conflict, the Security Council adopted a resolution last week urging countries to “refrain from external interference which seeks to foment conflict and instability” and reminding member states of their obligations to comply with arms embargo measures.

The United States has condemned the actions of both warring parties, stating that they have committed war crimes. It specifically accused the RSF and allied militias of crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.

Sudan’s Ambassador Mohamed reacted angrily to Abushahab’s comments, stating, “Whoever wants to create peace in Sudan must first come with pure intentions and the United Arab Emirates is the state that is sponsoring terrorism.”

The confrontation at the Security Council underscores the deep divisions and ongoing challenges in resolving Sudan’s conflict. Late last month, Sudan’s army rejected a call to return to peace talks with the RSF in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, further complicating efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.

As the situation in Sudan remains dire, international stakeholders continue to grapple with how best to address the conflict and provide much-needed humanitarian aid to those affected.