Sudan has officially severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, declaring the UAE an "aggressor state." The announcement was made by Sudan's Sovereign Council.
"For over two years, the world has watched as the UAE violated Sudan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and threatened the safety of our citizens by supporting the terrorist and rebel group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In light of this, the Sudanese Sovereign Council has designated the UAE as an aggressor state, terminated all diplomatic relations, and ordered the closure of the Sudanese Embassy and Consulate in the UAE," the council's statement said.
Sudanese authorities also referenced Article 51 of the UN Charter, asserting Sudan's right to self-defense. They emphasized that Sudan reserves the right to respond by all available means to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the security of its people.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan between the RSF and the regular army began in April 2023. Since then, more than 20,000 people have died, over 14 million have been internally displaced, and 25 million urgently need humanitarian aid.
Sudan first accused the UAE of aiding the RSF rebels in November 2023, alleging that support is routed through Chad. Both Chad and the UAE have denied any involvement, arms transfers, or backing of any side in the conflict. Chad's Minister of Foreign Affairs and for Chadians Abroad, Abdramane Koulamallah, has previously stated that Chad has no interest in assisting the rebels and continues to suffer from the war's consequences.
In early March, Sudan filed a lawsuit against the UAE at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Later that month, General Yassir al-Atta, a member of Sudan's Sovereign Council, warned that Sudan could take "retaliatory measures" against the UAE over its alleged support for the RSF. The ICJ began reviewing the case in early April, but on May 5, the court dismissed the lawsuit, citing a lack of jurisdiction. In response, Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs vowed to continue efforts to hold the UAE accountable for its alleged role in genocide through other international channels.
