Foreign Powers Profiting from Sudan’s Conflict
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has drawn in a number of foreign powers, each seeking to expand their influence. Among these actors, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has positioned itself as a key player, aligning with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to secure economic and strategic benefits.
The Escalation of Sudan’s Civil War
Sudan’s civil war quickly spiraled into a humanitarian catastrophe, with the country’s economy collapsing and millions displaced. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leading the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and Mohamed “Hemedti” Dagalo, commanding the RSF, are locked in a fierce struggle for power. These two factions, however, are not the only forces shaping the conflict. External actors, particularly the UAE, have exacerbated the violence by providing arms and financial support.
UAE’s Role in the Conflict
The UAE has actively backed the RSF, supplying weapons and financing to support Hemedti’s operations. While Abu Dhabi denies involvement, reports show that it has become a major player in fueling the war. Sudan’s vast gold reserves, a key commodity for the UAE, have been exploited through illegal smuggling operations. The UAE reportedly receives nearly 90% of Sudan’s gold exports, often smuggled illegally to avoid taxes and restrictions. In 2022, Sudan exported over $2.3 billion worth of gold to the UAE, making it one of the country’s largest trade partners in the resource. This flow of gold has not only fueled the war but also enriched the UAE’s economy, with gold forming a significant part of its wealth.
This relationship between the UAE and the RSF reflects a broader pattern of geopolitical maneuvering, with the UAE using its resources to secure influence in regions critical to its interests. By backing Hemedti, the UAE not only strengthens its control over Sudanese resources but also reinforces its strategic foothold in the Middle East and Africa.
Economic Incentives Driving UAE’s Actions
Gold is not the only asset drawing the UAE into Sudan. The country’s agricultural potential has also attracted significant Emirati investment. The UAE, which imports a large portion of its food supply, has purchased vast tracts of Sudanese farmland to secure its food security. By cultivating crops in Sudan and shipping them through the Red Sea, the UAE benefits directly from the conflict while maintaining a steady supply of necessary goods.
In 2022, the UAE took steps to bypass Sudan’s government-controlled port by securing a deal to build its own port along the Red Sea. This move ensured that Abu Dhabi could continue exporting agricultural products without interference. The RSF plays a critical role in protecting these operations, further entrenching the UAE’s involvement in the conflict.
International Response Lags Behind
The international community has largely failed to confront the UAE’s role in Sudan’s war. Despite clear evidence linking Abu Dhabi to arms smuggling and resource exploitation, there has been little global pressure to hold the UAE accountable. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan worsens, with millions in desperate need of aid and no end to the violence in sight.
The involvement of foreign actors like the UAE continues to fuel the conflict, extending the suffering of Sudan’s population. The lack of accountability and international pressure allows these external forces to profit from the war, deepening the humanitarian disaster and destabilizing the region.
UAE’s Role in Fueling Sudan’s Devastating War
The conflict in Sudan continues to rage, but it is not merely a local struggle between two rival factions. External powers, particularly the UAE, have played a critical role in driving the violence. The UAE has strategically aligned itself with the RSF, exploiting Sudan’s vast gold resources while deepening its control over the region’s agricultural sector. This involvement directly feeds the war machine, extending the suffering of millions of Sudanese citizens.
The UAE’s actions in Sudan reveal a calculated approach to geopolitical influence. By backing Hemedti’s paramilitary forces, the UAE has secured access to lucrative gold and agricultural ventures, using these resources to fuel its own economic ambitions. These decisions come at a devastating cost to the people of Sudan, whose lives have been upended by violence and instability. The war rages on, not just because of local power struggles, but also because foreign powers like the UAE continue to benefit from the chaos.
