By : Lloyd Mahachi
Dozens of cargo planes from the United Arab Emirates have landed at a small airstrip in Chad, sparking concerns that the UAE is funneling arms to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rebels. The UAE has denied the allegations, stating that it is sending aid to Sudan via Chad, not arms.
Since the civil war erupted in Sudan last year, at least 86 flights from the UAE have headed to the airstrip at Amdjarass in eastern Chad. Three-quarters of these flights were operated by carriers accused by the UN of ferrying Emirati weapons to a warlord in Libya. The UAE has rejected a report by a UN panel of experts that cited “credible” allegations of the UAE providing military supplies to the RSF via the Chad airstrip.
The RSF is a paramilitary group fighting the Sudanese army in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and driven millions from their homes. The UAE’s alleged support for the RSF has raised concerns among Western allies, who are monitoring the situation closely. The US and its allies are engaged in senior-level dialogue with partners in the region to underscore the perils associated with supporting the belligerents.
Experts have analyzed satellite images and video footage, which appear to show crates of weapons and ammunition being unloaded from UAE planes at the Amdjarass airstrip. The crates are stacked low on pallets and have a military appearance, according to experts. The UAE has denied that it is supplying arms to the RSF, stating that it is providing humanitarian aid to Sudanese refugees.
The UAE’s alleged involvement in the conflict has significant implications for the region. The RSF has been accused of human rights abuses, and the conflict has caused widespread suffering. The international community is calling for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The UN has expressed concern over the allegations of UAE support for the RSF, stating that it is monitoring the situation closely. The African Union and other regional organizations are also involved in efforts to resolve the conflict. The situation remains complex and volatile, with multiple actors involved and competing interests at play.
In addition to the UAE, other countries are also accused of providing military support to the RSF. The conflict is part of a broader regional dynamic, with multiple countries vying for influence and power. The situation is further complicated by the presence of extremist groups and other non-state actors.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains dire, with millions of people displaced and in need of aid. The conflict has caused widespread destruction and suffering, and the international community is calling for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The UAE’s alleged involvement in the conflict has raised questions about its role in the region. The country has been accused of providing military support to other groups in the region, including in Libya and Yemen. The UAE’s actions have significant implications for regional stability and security.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely. The UN and other organizations are calling for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The situation remains complex and volatile, with multiple actors involved and competing interests at play.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
