The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, have engaged in discussions concerning peace initiatives in Sudan. Diplomatic sources reveal that the conversation focused on an offer from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to mediate the 15-month-long conflict in Sudan.
This communication marks the first public exchange between the UAE president and General Burhan since the Sudanese army began openly criticizing the UAE for allegedly supporting its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UAE has denied these allegations, though United Nations experts have deemed them credible. The accusations led to a heated exchange at the UN Security Council in June.
According to Emirati state news agency WAM, during the call, Sheikh Mohammed, commonly known as MbZ, reiterated the UAE’s commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at de-escalating the situation and resolving the crisis in Sudan.
In a statement released early Friday, the Sudanese army reported that General Burhan urged MbZ to cease any backing of the RSF, accusing the paramilitary group of killing Sudanese citizens, destroying the country, and causing mass displacement.
Sudanese diplomatic sources confirmed that Burhan and MbZ discussed Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s mediation proposal. Ahmed had visited Sudan earlier this month to offer his assistance in ending the war, which began in April 2023 due to disputes over plans for a political transition.
Despite multiple mediation efforts, the conflict has continued unabated, leaving half the Sudanese population facing severe hunger and forcing around one-fifth of the population from their homes. The death toll is estimated to be in the tens of thousands, although accurate data is unavailable.
Analysts and diplomats believe the UAE, which maintains favorable relations with Sudan’s neighbors, including Egypt, the main backer of Sudan’s army, will play a crucial role in the efforts to end the conflict.
