Reports: UAE Faces Growing Scrutiny Over Support for RSF Amid Sudan War

What happened

The Guardian reports that outrage is growing over the United Arab Emirates’ alleged complicity in Sudan’s civil war, centered on accusations that the UAE has been materially supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia since the conflict began in 2023. The RSF has faced multiple accusations including ethnic cleansing and sexual violence, with a UN fact-finding mission describing assaults on non-Arab populations in western Sudan as bearing “the hallmarks of genocide.”

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. Evidence cited by the report alleges the UAE is supplying weapons, ammunition, and drones to the RSF via routes through Chad and backing Colombian mercenaries who provide key support to the militia. The UAE denies these claims, asserting neutrality in the war, but the report suggests this position is increasingly viewed as implausible amid mounting international criticism.

The report outlines recent developments that have intensified scrutiny on the UAE, including a complaint to the UK Foreign Office urging investigation of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE deputy prime minister and owner of Manchester City football club, for his alleged role in supporting the RSF. Should sanctions be imposed, Premier League rules might force him to divest from the club, raising potential domestic consequences beyond diplomatic tensions.

Known from the source

• Sudan’s civil war began in 2023, involving a power struggle between the RSF and the Sudanese army.
• The RSF has been accused of ethnic cleansing and sexual violence, with a UN panel describing some assaults as showing signs of genocide.
• A UN fact-finding mission confirmed human rights abuses by the RSF.
• The UAE denies involvement in the Sudan conflict but faces accusations of supplying arms and backing mercenaries to the RSF.
• A UK human rights group has formally requested an investigation into Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s alleged links to the RSF.

What remains unclear

Further pressure comes from the United States, where members of Congress have urged major Western sports and entertainment bodies to sever ties with the UAE over its alleged role in facilitating war crimes and ethnic cleansing in Sudan. This campaign risks damaging the UAE’s international economic and cultural partnerships, particularly in Europe and North America.

What remains unclear: Verification of allegations regarding UAE arms supplies and mercenary support to RSF. Independent confirmation of Sheikh Mansour’s role and any sanctions being considered by the UK government. Clarification on specific links between the UAE government and RSF actions in Darfur and elsewhere. Verification of the impact and follow-up on US congressional letters to entertainment and sports organizations.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: The Guardian Sudan. Open the source.