UAE President extends support for Sudan amid ongoing crisis

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed the country’s support for initiatives aimed at ending the crisis in Sudan, during a phone call with Sudan's army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, according to WAM.

This marks the first conversation between the two leaders since the outbreak of war in Sudan in 2023. During the call, they discussed relations between their countries, developments in Sudan, and ways to support Sudan in overcoming its current crisis.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed the UAE’s commitment to supporting all solutions and initiatives aimed at stopping the escalation and ending the crisis in Sudan, thereby enhancing its stability and security and fulfilling the aspirations of its people for development and prosperity. He emphasized the necessity of prioritizing wisdom and peaceful dialogue, upholding Sudan’s supreme interests, and preserving its security and stability.

Furthermore, Sheikh Mohammed expressed the UAE's commitment to continuing its support for humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

The northeastern African country descended into chaos in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum. After an uneasy period of shared power, both factions are now locked in a fierce battle for control of the country.

This power struggle has intensified the crisis, causing widespread instability and suffering among the Sudanese population, particularly in western Darfur, according to the United Nations, more than 14,000 people have been killed and 33,000 others wounded.

The UN also reports that nearly 25 million people, half of Sudan's population, need aid, and famine is looming. This conflict has created the world’s largest displacement crisis, with more than 11 million people forced to flee their homes.