The Sudanese army has refuted UAE accusations of bombing the residence of its ambassador in Khartoum. The UAE plans to lodge a formal complaint with the United Nations. Tensions have escalated between the two nations, particularly due to allegations of UAE support for the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. Kuwait and Jordan have condemned the attack, underlining the importance of safeguarding diplomatic missions.
On September 30, 2024, the Sudanese army issued a formal denial in response to accusations from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which claimed that Sudanese forces bombed the residence of the UAE ambassador in Khartoum. This assertion from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made on September 29, suggested that the ambassador’s residence was deliberately targeted by air strikes. In light of these accusations, the UAE announced its intention to file a protest note with the United Nations and regional bodies. The verbal exchange highlights a notable escalation in tensions between Sudan and the UAE, as Sudanese military officials have previously alleged that the UAE has been exacerbating the conflict in Sudan by providing military assistance to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). A spokesperson for the Sudanese Armed Forces unequivocally condemned the claims from the UAE, stating, “The Sudanese Armed Forces condemn and deny the accusation by the United Arab Emirates of bombing the residence of its ambassador in Khartoum.” The spokesperson further emphasized that the Sudanese army does not target diplomatic establishments, United Nations missions, or aid organizations and asserted that the actions in question were the result of a “Terrorist militia of the Daglo rebels,” which they allege is supported by external nations. In the aftermath of increased hostilities beginning in April 2024, diplomatic missions have evacuated from Khartoum, with many relocating to Port Sudan. Sudanese officials assert that the RSF has engaged in looting and assaults on foreign embassies without facing significant international backlash. On the same day, both Kuwait and Jordan publicly condemned the reported assault on the UAE ambassador’s residence. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the necessity of safeguarding diplomatic missions as mandated by international law, while a Jordanian official characterized the incident as a serious breach of international statutes regarding the protection of diplomatic entities.
The diplomatic relationship between Sudan and the UAE has increasingly strained due to allegations of military support provided by the UAE to the RSF, a paramilitary group implicated in violent confrontations in Sudan. Since fighting intensified in April 2024, the situation has led to most diplomatic facilities relocating from Khartoum to safer regions due to escalating hostilities. The conflict has prompted serious international concern, particularly regarding the safety of diplomatic missions and international law protocols, notably the provisions set forth in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The ongoing dispute between the Sudanese army and the United Arab Emirates over accusations related to the bombing of the ambassador’s residence fuels existing tensions between the two nations. Amid heightened conflict in Sudan, the Sudanese military maintains its stance that it does not target diplomatic missions. The response from Kuwait and Jordan further emphasizes the international community’s stance on the inviolability of diplomatic premises. As the situation develops, it remains vital for all parties to prioritize adherence to international law regarding the protection of diplomatic entities.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
