U.S. officials assure Sudanese President Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of efforts to pressure the UAE to stop supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid ongoing civil conflict. Burhan argues for RSF designation as a terrorist group due to its atrocities, as the humanitarian crisis worsens, affecting millions. Calls for a ceasefire and negotiations continue amid international scrutiny of the UAE’s involvement in the conflict.
In a recent press conference held in New York City, Sudanese President Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan revealed that U.S. officials have assured him they would exert pressure on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to halt their support of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The RSF, which is accused of committing genocide amid the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan since April 2023, has received weapons from the UAE, a crucial factor in their military operations against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). During his address at the UN General Assembly, Burhan voiced frustration over the lack of international action against the RSF, calling for the group to be recognized as a terrorist organization due to its acts of rebellion and terrorist crimes. He highlighted the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict, which has displaced over 10 million people and left 26 million facing acute hunger. Burhan underscored the need for urgent support, stating, “Why has the international system not taken any firm or dissuasive measures vis-à-vis this group and those who support it…?” The RSF, led by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan (Hemedti), resisted calls for a ceasefire and has made significant gains since entering the conflict. Despite these challenges, Burhan expressed willingness to engage in peace negotiations without preconditions. The RSF’s alleged use of the Red Crescent for smuggling arms into Sudan has drawn criticism from humanitarian organizations, highlighting bureaucratic hurdles that impede aid delivery. On a broader scale, the humanitarian crisis has affected neighboring countries, leading to increased refugees in Chad, Uganda, and Libya. International leaders, including U.S. President Joseph Biden, have called for an end to the flow of arms to the conflict parties, urging the UAE and other countries to cease support for the RSF. Analysts note that the UAE’s involvement has strengthened the RSF’s military capabilities, despite denials of direct support. Ultimately, Burhan’s overtures to the UAE and broader international community symbolize a crucial step toward addressing the escalating violence and humanitarian dilemma in Sudan.
The Sudanese civil war has been ongoing since April 2023, primarily involving clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), headed by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan (Hemedti). The RSF is accused of committing severe human rights violations, including genocide, which has prompted calls from international bodies for action against the group and its supporters, particularly the UAE. The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions of civilians affected by famine and displacement. The international community continues to seek diplomatic solutions to the crisis, with pressures being applied to halt military support to the warring factions.
In summary, U.S. pressure on the UAE to cease support for the RSF highlights the escalating conflict in Sudan and the urgent need for international intervention. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with millions facing dire conditions as calls for accountability against the RSF grow. The potential for peace talks remains contingent on the willingness of all parties to negotiate without preconditions, despite the complexities of external military support influencing the conflict dynamics.
Original Source: www.passblue.com
