In response to the UAE's expulsion of three Sudanese diplomats, Sudan has taken retaliatory action by ordering the expulsion of 15 Emirati diplomats from its territory. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively summoned Badriya Al-Shehhi, the Deputy Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Sudan, to communicate this decision.

As per the Sudanese state news agency, the foreign ministry summoned the acting UAE Charge d'affaires and conveyed the decision. The move, which was not further explained by the Sudanese government or the news agency, came after the UAE declared three Sudanese diplomats persona non grata and issued a directive for them to leave the country within 48 hours.

The UAE notified the Sudanese ambassador in Abu Dhabi about its decision to expel three high-ranking Sudanese diplomats, which includes the military attaché, his deputy, and the cultural attaché. The expulsion was based on allegations of their involvement in activities deemed "undesirable."

Pro-army loyalists and demonstrators have intensified verbal attacks on the UAE, accusing it of supporting the rival Rapid Support Forces by providing arms and weapons. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the former deputy of Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

The two factions have been engaged in a bloody conflict since April 15, resulting in more than 12,000 casualties. Despite ongoing negotiation efforts, neither side has gained a decisive advantage on the battlefield.

Sudanese officials assert that the UAE is actively supporting the RSF by providing logistical and financial assistance, which includes establishing an air bridge to Chad for transporting military supplies.

Yasser Al-Atta, the Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Army, criticized the UAE, likening it to a "mafia" state and accusing it of arming the RSF.

Despite facing these accusations, the Gulf country has affirmed its commitment to ongoing regional efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. The African Union has even granted the UAE a position on the Expanded Mechanism for the Sudanese crisis. However, the continuation of Sudan's acceptance of the UAE's involvement remains uncertain due to the deteriorating bilateral ties between the two nations.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the UAE faces allegations of channeling arms and support to the RSF, which holds significant control over Sudan's lucrative gold mining sector.

However, UAE authorities consistently deny these allegations. Experts and world leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have stated that unidentified entities providing "financial and weapons" support to both conflicting parties have played a role in perpetuating the ongoing carnage. Egypt and Turkey openly aligned themselves with the Sudanese Army in its conflict against the RSF.

Image source: Sudan Tribune