A fresh wave of accusations has emerged amid Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) alleging that the Sudanese military is responsible for a damaging strike on its ambassador’s residence in Khartoum.

On Monday, September 30, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded statement, claiming that the home of their head of mission was bombed by the Sudanese army, leaving the property severely damaged.

The attack, which the UAE described as a “heinous” act, has further strained relations between the two nations as Sudan continues to be torn apart by a violent power struggle. The official statement of the UAE condemned the strike, calling it a “cowardly” act and a “flagrant violation” of diplomatic protocol.

It added that it would send complaints to the League of Arab States, the African Union, and the United Nations.

Sudanese Army Denies Responsibility

Sudan’s army swiftly rejected the UAE’s accusations, instead attributing the attack to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This paramilitary group has gained significant control in Khartoum during the civil conflict.

The RSF, which the Sudanese military claims has been supported by the UAE, has been engaged in fierce battles with Sudan’s armed forces since April 2023, when the war between the two factions erupted.

However, the Gulf state called the allegations “disinformation,” saying its efforts are focused exclusively on de-escalation and alleviating Sudan’s humanitarian suffering.

In a statement issued shortly after the UAE’s claims, Sudan’s military distanced itself from the bombing, asserting that it “does not target the headquarters of diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies, or voluntary organizations.” The statement went further to accuse the RSF as a “terrorist, rebel militia” supported by unnamed foreign entities.

The war in Sudan has already claimed tens of thousands of lives and plunged the country into a deep humanitarian crisis. Over 14,000 people have died, 33,000 have been injured, and nearly 25 million — half of the population — now require urgent humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations.

UAE Linked to RSF Support

A report by the United Nations Security Council released in January 2024 supported the Sudanese military allegations. The report found “credible” evidence that the UAE had supplied weapons to the RSF through Chad, further complicating the UAE’s position in the ongoing conflict.

The allegations suggest that while the UAE publicly condemns the RSF’s actions, it may have been providing covert support to the group, possibly to secure influence in the region.

Although much of Khartoum has been under RSF control for months, the Sudanese military has recently renewed its efforts to regain the capital. This latest episode of diplomatic tension highlights the complex web of alliances and accusations that continue to shape Sudan’s bloody civil war.

The UAE has called for the Sudanese military to assume full responsibility for the bombing, which it says is a direct violation of the inviolability of diplomatic premises.

As both sides continue to point fingers, the civil war in Sudan shows little sign of abating, leaving millions caught in the crossfire.