Sudan claims that the UAE provided military support, including drones and arms, to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country’s brutal civil conflict, which began in April 2023.

Dr David Matsanga, a Political Scientist and International Relations Expert, who has been involved in the case, spoke to Channel Africa about the evidence presented. “There is clear, documented proof before the court, including findings from a United Nations panel that link the UAE to weapons and financial transfers to the RSF,” he said.

If the ICJ rules against the UAE, Matsanga says the consequences could be severe. “The UAE may be required to pay reparations for the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, similar to the $400 million fine imposed on Uganda over its military activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

Matsanga warned of a broader trend of foreign interference in African conflicts, particularly from Gulf states. “Countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are becoming the third wave of colonisers in Africa. They're fuelling conflicts by supplying arms in exchange for access to minerals and oil,” he said, citing Libya and Congo as further examples of this pattern.

The expert also defended Kenya’s controversial hosting of RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), amid rising diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Sudan. “Allowing both sides to prepare for peace talks is essential. At the end of the day, they are all Sudanese. Kenya’s role in facilitating dialogue should not be condemned,” Matsanga said.

--ChannelAfrica--