The UAE tries hard to keep its reputation spotless. But with the war in Sudan, how can it? | Nesrine Malik

"Since the beginning of the civil war in 2023, which was triggered by a contest for power between the RSF militia and the Sudanese army, the RSF has been accused of ethnic cleansing and sexual violence. A United Nations fact-finding mission concluded that its assault on non-Arab populations in the west of the country carried the hallmarks of genocide."

"Over the course of the war, evidence has been found of the UAE providing arms to the RSF, smuggling weapons and drones to them via Chad, and backing Colombian mercenary forces that are providing critical support to the militia. The UAE continues to deny all these charges, saying it is a neutral party in the war."

"The act seemed to be working, though, as the UAE broadly managed to weather the allegations of its complicity without consequences. But something is beginning to turn. Last week, in quick succession, two blows landed."

"In the first, the human rights organisation FairSquare called on the UK's Foreign Office to investigate Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the deputy prime minister of the UAE and owner of Manchester City, and sanction him over his alleged role in the UAE government's backing of the RSF."

The UAE has long avoided being labeled an outlaw despite mounting evidence of backing Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during the 2023 civil war. The RSF has faced accusations of ethnic cleansing and sexual violence, including findings by a UN fact-finding mission that assaults on non-Arab populations show hallmarks of genocide. Evidence gathered over the war includes claims that the UAE provided arms, smuggled weapons and drones via Chad, and supported Colombian mercenary forces aiding the militia. The UAE denies involvement and claims neutrality. Recent developments include a FairSquare complaint urging the UK Foreign Office to investigate and sanction Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan over alleged RSF support, and additional scrutiny that suggests consequences may be emerging.

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