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US Urges UAE and Global Community to Halt Support for Combatants in Sudan's Escalating Conflict
Louis Buyisiwe


In a recent plea, the United States has appealed to the international community, including the United Arab Emirates, to discontinue any support for the warring factions in Sudan. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning of an imminent crisis of unprecedented scale in the region.
The conflict in Sudan erupted a year ago between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to the largest displacement crisis in the world today. The UN has raised alarms about a potential RSF attack on al-Fashir in the North Darfur region, which could exacerbate the already tense situation and trigger widespread ethnic violence.
Al-Fashir, a historic center of power, is now on the brink of a significant humanitarian disaster. The US envoy expressed concerns that the city could witness a "large-scale massacre," reminiscent of the early 2000s when conflicts in the region resulted in the death of approximately 300,000 people. The ongoing violence not only threatens the residents of al-Fashir but also risks destabilizing the broader region, including neighboring Chad.
The international community remains divided on the issue. Recent UN reports suggest credible accusations against the UAE for allegedly providing military support to the RSF. However, the UAE has strongly denied these allegations, stating their non-involvement in the conflict. The dispute highlights the complex web of international relations and the challenges of achieving a consensus on peacekeeping efforts.
The conflict has plunged nearly half of Sudan's population into a dire need for humanitarian aid, with about 8 million people displaced from their homes. Top UN officials have urged immediate global action to avert a catastrophic hunger crisis and further loss of lives. The ongoing conflict not only represents a political and military challenge but also a significant humanitarian crisis.
The international community faces a critical test in its response to the crisis in Sudan. With the US leading calls for an end to external support for the warring factions, the focus now turns to diplomatic efforts to bring about peace and stability in the region. The world watches closely as Sudan stands at a crossroads, with its future hanging in the balance.