Sudan Conflict: UAE Pledge Amid Accusations and Hope for Ramadan Truce

Sudan accuses the UAE of supporting paramilitary RSF amid ongoing civil war. Despite UAE's $500 million aid pledge, tensions mount. U.S. envoy Boulos aims for a $1.5 billion fund and a Ramadan truce. The Quad grouping works on a U.S. peace proposal, yet no truce is agreed.

The Sudanese government has leveled accusations at the United Arab Emirates, claiming that the UAE supports the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid the ongoing civil war, a conflict that erupted in April 2023. While denying these allegations, the UAE has pledged $500 million to a U.N. fund dedicated to humanitarian aid for Sudan at a Washington event.

Lana Nusseibeh, a UAE state minister, expressed her country's desire for a truce, avoiding comment on the accusations. U.S. special envoy for Africa, Massad Boulos, anticipates a cumulative $1.5 billion of new funding, with the U.S. contributing an additional $200 million for Sudan. Yet, progress toward a humanitarian truce has been limited, despite calls to cease hostilities by the onset of Ramadan.

Boulos acknowledged stalled peace efforts since President Trump's intervention attempts. He noted ongoing discussions within the Quad grouping, involving U.S., UAE, Egypt, and Saudi officials, examining a U.S. peace plan. Despite hopes for presentation to the U.N. Security Council, the warring factions have yet to agree to a temporary ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies.)