The UK has invited the UAE to a Sudan peace conference in London while excluding Sudan’s army-aligned government and the RSF. The UAE’s involvement has provoked outrage among Sudanese officials due to its past support of the RSF. Analysts expressed concerns about the conference’s effectiveness in promoting peace without including all key parties, particularly the Sudanese government. This situation poses serious questions regarding the UK’s diplomatic strategies in the region.
The United Kingdom has generated significant controversy by inviting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to a conference in London regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This conference is scheduled for April 15, and notably, neither the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) nor the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have received invitations. The participation of the UAE, a nation accused of supplying arms to the RSF amid the conflict, has sparked outrage among Sudanese officials loyal to the army.
A document from the Sudanese foreign ministry revealed that it was excluded from the conference under the rationale that it is a “warring party.” The document poignantly states, “Ironically, the UAE, effectively a party to the war, is invited.” The Sudanese army-aligned government believes that the UAE’s presence could undermine the conference’s legitimacy, branding it as a mere public relations exercise aimed at improving the UAE’s global image amidst its legal challenges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The concept paper for the London conference has specified that participants will comprise states and international organizations committed to facilitating a peaceful resolution for Sudan. Additional invitations extended to countries like Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia suggest a continued favor towards the Sudanese army, contrasting the exclusion of both the SAF and RSF.
In recent developments, Sudan formally initiated proceedings against the UAE at the ICJ, accusing it of complicity in acts of genocide against the Masalit ethnic community. Anwar Gargash, the UAE’s foreign minister, reacted to the situation via social media emphasizing that Sudan should prioritize ceasefire efforts rather than engaging in media controversies. This statement reflects the ongoing tensions, with the U.S. government having classified actions by the RSF and allied militias as genocidal, markedly directed towards racial groups in the region.
The UAE has consistently denied allegations of arms provision to the RSF, though evidence and reports have contradicted their claims. A disclosure from Brett McGurk, a senior U.S. official, confirmed that the UAE had assured the U.S. government it would cease arms transfers, contradicting previous assertions.
Following news of its exclusion from the UK’s conference, the Lagos-based Sudanese army-led government expressed its disappointment, especially in light of recent diplomatic engagements that suggested an improved relationship with the UK. UK Foreign Minister David Lammy’s discussions in Port Sudan appeared to reinforce this notion; however, the inclusion of the UAE alongside the exclusion of the Sudanese representatives has prompted calls for a reassessment of the UK’s position regarding the ongoing conflict.
Analysts have indicated that the UK’s approach may lack coherence, as previous communications did not address the role of the UAE concerning the current state of affairs in Sudan. Kholood Khair, a Sudanese analyst, suggested that the conference’s effectiveness in advancing peace is questionable, stating that without proper dialogue among all key stakeholders, including the UAE, any peace initiative may be futile. Cameron Hudson, a former CIA analyst, criticized the UK’s apparent lip-service approach to the Sudan conflict, arguing that the exclusion of crucial parties like the Sudanese army fails to address the complexities involved in resolving the ongoing war.
The UK’s decision to invite the UAE to a conference on Sudan while excluding local powers has ignited significant backlash from the Sudanese army government. Concerns regarding the UAE’s historical involvement in the conflict were articulated in a document from Sudan’s foreign ministry, emphasizing the need for an inclusive approach. Analysts have raised doubts about the conference’s potential efficacy in promoting peace, highlighting the complexities and interconnected relationships among the various actors involved in the Sudan crisis. Clarifying these diplomatic relations will be essential for future negotiations.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
