UAE supports humanitarian efforts in Sudan

 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting Sudan through various humanitarian initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of its people amid ongoing crises.​

Humanitarian Aid and Financial Support

In February 2025, during a high-level humanitarian conference in Addis Ababa, the UAE pledged $200 million in humanitarian aid to Sudan. This commitment was made alongside a call for a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the humanitarian needs in the region. ​

Earlier, in August 2024, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs signed an agreement with UNICEF to provide $7 million in support of critical humanitarian efforts in Sudan and South Sudan. This funding was designated to address the pressing needs of children and families affected by the ongoing conflict and displacement. Additionally, in March 2025, the UAE extended its support to Sudanese refugees in Chad by distributing 5,000 food packages during Ramadan. These packages benefited approximately 20,000 individuals residing in refugee camps, reflecting the UAE's commitment to aiding displaced populations beyond Sudan's borders.Diplomatic Efforts and Advocacy

Beyond financial assistance, the UAE has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to address the crisis in Sudan. In collaboration with Ethiopia, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the UAE co-hosted the "High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan" in Addis Ababa in February 2025. This conference aimed to mobilize international support and resources to address the humanitarian challenges in Sudan.Controversies and Allegations

Despite its humanitarian contributions, the UAE has faced allegations regarding its involvement in Sudan's internal conflict. Reports have surfaced accusing the UAE of supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in the Sudanese civil war. For instance, in December 2024, a Reuters investigation reported that multiple cargo flights from the UAE landed at an airstrip in Chad, allegedly delivering arms to the RSF. The UAE has consistently denied these claims, asserting that its flights were solely for humanitarian purposes.Furthermore, in April 2025, the Sudanese government brought a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of fueling genocide in Darfur by supporting the RSF. The UAE rejected these allegations, describing them as baseless and an attempt to divert attention from the real perpetrators of atrocities in Sudan