UAE Affirms Support for Sudan Peace Initiatives in First Public Call Since Rift

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan assured support for Sudan's stability during a call with Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The call marked the first public communication since strained relations due to accusations of UAE backing the rival RSF. The Sudan conflict has displaced millions and raised urgent humanitarian needs.

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed the nation's support for Sudan's stability and security in a phone call with Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, as reported by the Emirati state news agency WAM on Thursday.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the UAE's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at ending escalation and resolving the crisis in Sudan. This conversation marked the first public communication between the leaders since their relations deteriorated last year.

Previously, the Sudanese army had accused the UAE at the U.N. Security Council of providing weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a claim the UAE denied. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with nearly 25 million people in need of aid and 10 million displaced.

(With inputs from agencies.)