Sudan’s de facto government announced the severance of diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, on 6 May 2025 accusing the UAE of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing civil war—an escalation that follows the recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling dismissing Sudan’s case on jurisdictional grounds.
The Sudanese Alliance for Rights expresses serious reservations about this decision, particularly as it appears to be retaliation for the ICJ’s ruling—a decision issued by one of the world’s highest international legal mechanisms. Sudan’s response risks undermining the very institutions it sought to engage and casts doubt on its commitment to international law and multilateral conflict resolution.
The announcement also comes amid rising tensions in Port Sudan, where recent escalations have heightened fears of the conflict expanding further east. The de facto government’s move appears not only politically motivated by the ICJ outcome, but also as a reaction to the increasing strength and capacity of the RSF, which many in Sudan attribute to external support, particularly from the Gulf region. Such developments have fuelled national insecurity and public outrage, intensifying the government’s posture toward former regional allies.
While allegations of foreign interference must be taken seriously, they must be addressed through lawful, impartial, and diplomatic channels. Abruptly cutting ties with a regional actor in response to an unfavourable legal outcome and military pressures sends the wrong signal and further isolates the Sudanese people from vital support.
The people of Sudan have long benefited from Emirati humanitarian assistance, especially since the outbreak of war. The UAE has provided emergency relief, including medical supplies, food aid, and airlifts into Port Sudan and Darfur, as well as support for Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad. Moreover, thousands of Sudanese displaced by the war have found refuge, jobs, and education in the UAE, offering them a chance at stability and survival amid the chaos.
We are concerned that severing diplomatic ties could jeopardise this lifeline and create new hardships for Sudanese nationals abroad.
We therefore urge Sudan’s de facto authorities to act in the best interest of their people by preserving avenues for humanitarian cooperation and diplomatic engagement. We also call on the UAE and other regional actors to cease all support to armed actors and align their efforts with ongoing international peace initiatives focused on protecting civilians and restoring stability.
At this critical moment, Sudan does not need more hostility, it needs healing.
Sudanese Alliance for Rights
7 May 2025