In a stark warning regarding the future of Sudan, the United Arab Emirates cautions against leaving the country’s destiny in the hands of extremist groups. With over 30 million Sudanese in dire need of assistance, the UAE and the Quad nations underscore that allowing such groups to influence Sudan’s future undermines any efforts toward achieving peace and stability. As Sudan grapples with a complex political and humanitarian crisis, the UAE’s statements reflect an urgent call for international cooperation and support.
Commitment to Peace and Economic Support
Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s Minister of State, emphasized the nation’s continued commitment to supporting humanitarian ceasefires in Sudan. She noted that the Quad’s statement released on September 12 represents a historic move toward ending hostilities. “The future of Sudan should not be left to extremist groups or turned into a safe haven for terrorism,” Nusseibeh reiterated. Anwar Gargash, the UAE’s diplomatic advisor, further affirmed that humanitarian ceasefires and unimpeded aid are crucial, arguing that the ongoing conflict in Sudan cannot be won through military means. The UAE has called upon governments, international organizations, and civil society to mobilize resources and influence to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan effectively.
Political Legitimacy and an Alternative Vision
According to Hasnabi Mahmoud, head of the Sudanese Democratic Liberation Movement, there is a steadfast commitment within the foundational coalition to uphold humanitarian ceasefires and establish a unified national army that represents all Sudanese. Mahmoud presents the coalition’s vision as one aimed at creating a civil democracy that ends decades of conflict. He expressed concern that the military is attempting to “hijack the state,” a move he believes contradicts the progress initiated by the December Revolution. Mahmoud warned that the army’s current leadership lacks the authority to cease hostilities, suggesting that the decision lies with the leadership of the Islamic movement, notably Ali Karti.
Field Conditions: Areas of Relative Stability
Despite severe food and medicine shortages due to war, areas controlled by the foundational coalition exhibit a significant level of stability, Mahmoud asserts. He highlighted the substantial assistance from global organizations provided to various regions in Darfur and Kordofan while accusing the army of targeting humanitarian convoys and border crossings. He cited recent attacks that led to over a hundred civilian deaths within three days, asserting that this aggression disrupts local stability and worsens economic conditions, disrupting supply chains and diminishing market activity.
Humanitarian Issues and Economic Impacts
A critical point raised by Mahmoud involved what he termed the “military’s exploitation of Sudanese suffering.” He claimed a large portion of humanitarian aid is being sold on the black market in Port Sudan, with the army allegedly using international assistance to fund allied militias. He emphasized the need for the foundational coalition to present itself as a legitimate entity committed to humanitarian law, noting efforts by Minister Azzedine Al-Safi’s Ministry of Humanitarian Action to facilitate aid access. Economically, this situation indicates a collapse of official supply chains dominated by war economies, exacerbating inflation and shrinking purchasing power across affected communities.
Engaging with the United Nations Amidst International Caution
Mahmoud noted an invitation extended to Tom Fletcher, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, to visit Al-Fasher, though Fletcher declined due to scheduling conflicts. He stressed the importance of the UN accessing all areas, including those under military control, as the humanitarian crisis affects approximately 30 million needy Sudanese. He cautioned that the persistent war has devastated Sudan’s economy, compelling all Sudanese, both domestically and abroad, to bear the burden of its continuation. Mahmoud alerted to possible new conflicts in Qadugli, Dallinj, and nearby regions, criticizing the military’s restrictions on citizens’ movements and describing its presence in Kordofan as isolated. He concluded by pledging the foundational coalition’s readiness to liberate all Sudanese territories if the military fails to halt hostilities, promising to transfer power later to the Sudanese people to build a diverse democratic state.