udan’s army-aligned government has accused the United Arab Emirates of deporting most of its consular personnel from Dubai, following the recent severing of diplomatic ties between Khartoum and Abu Dhabi. The announcement came on Saturday following escalating tensions linked to ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Khartoum’s foreign ministry condemned the deportations, stating that the diplomats were detained for eight hours at Dubai airport after completing their departure procedures. During this time, the officials were interrogated and subjected to searches of their phones and laptops. Sudan described these actions as a “grave and blatant violation” of international diplomatic conventions.
The ministry accused the UAE of disregarding its legal obligations to protect diplomats and providing them with necessary immunities and privileges. The statement further claimed that the deportations appeared to be part of a broader intent to harm Sudanese nationals residing in the UAE.
Tensions have surged since early May when drone strikes targeted multiple locations in Port Sudan, the base of Sudan’s army-led government. Khartoum alleges that the UAE supplied weapons to the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), responsible for the attacks. The RSF has been engaged in fierce conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023.
The UAE denies any support for the RSF despite reports from UN experts and international bodies indicating otherwise. The recent strikes severely damaged critical infrastructure in Port Sudan, including the civilian airport, fuel depot, and power station.
Sudan’s war, now entering its third year, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 13 million people, creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.
