Khartoum, (EFE).- Sudan announced it was severing diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, accusing Abu Dhabi of ing the paramilitary Rapid Forces (RSF) in a “genocidal campaign” and declaring it an “aggressor state.”
The decision was announced by Sudan’s Security and Defense Council, which said the UAE had intensified its alleged military to the RSF by supplying “advanced strategic weapons” and targeting “vital infrastructure,” including fuel depots and the airport in Port Sudan.
“In response to this continued aggression, Sudan has declared the UAE an aggressor and will sever all diplomatic relations,” the council said in a statement, adding that the country reserves the right to defend itself “by all means necessary,” in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The move follows repeated drone strikes on Port Sudan, home to the interim government and Sudan’s only operational international airport, carried out by RSF forces.
Sudan claims the attacks are backed by the UAE.
Abu Dhabi has denied any involvement in the conflict, which has driven millions from their homes and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Al Burhan vows retaliation amid drone strikes
Sudanese military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed retaliation against what he called “aggressors” responsible for harming the Sudanese people.
His statement followed new drone attacks on Port Sudan early Tuesday that triggered large explosions near the port and airport.
“Those who have attacked the Sudanese people will face punishment,” al-Burhan said in a video filmed on the Red Sea coast, as black smoke billowed from a nearby fuel depot set ablaze by the strikes. “The armed forces, ed by the people, will stand united to deter this aggression.”
Al-Burhan described the damaged fuel facilities as “vital infrastructure” and promised reconstruction efforts.
“Any destruction of military or civilian facilities will only strengthen our unity and resilience,” he added.
Sudanese officials accuse the RSF of conducting a wave of drone attacks over the past three days targeting critical infrastructure in Port Sudan, including a hotel and fuel storage sites.
Authorities evacuated engers and suspended flights following damage to the airport’s fuel depots.
International condemnation and legal setback
The announcement came just one day after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dismissed a genocide complaint filed by Sudan against the UAE, citing a lack of jurisdiction.
Sudan had accused the Gulf nation of ing the RSF in attacks against the Masalit ethnic group in Darfur, but the ICJ said a 2005 UAE reservation to the Genocide Convention prevents the court from hearing the case.
Despite the setback, Sudan escalated its diplomatic response.
The Security and Defense Council, comprising al-Burhan and ministers from Defense, Interior, Justice, and Foreign Affairs, formalized the rupture with the UAE.
The ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF began in Apr. 2023 and has since devastated large parts of the country.
After recent army advances in Khartoum and other regions, the RSF has intensified drone attacks on government-held areas.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes, calling them a “serious escalation.”
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry warned the attacks would “severely undermine ceasefire efforts, civilian protection, and humanitarian access.” EFE
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