As criticism grows, is UAE ready to walk away from Sudan's RSF militia?

[Elderly Hang Glider]

Criticism mounts against UAE's support for Sudan's RSF militia as country's diplomats admit mistakes in its Sudan policy. The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) diplomatic machine has finally acknowledged that it was wrong to back the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group responsible for mass killings in El Fasher, Sudan.

The RSF's role in the conflict began after the group's commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, or Hemedti, took control of economic policy. The UAE and Saudi Arabia had provided a $3bn loan to the transitional military council that initially governed Sudan after Omar al-Bashir was ousted in 2019. However, when the civilian government gained upper hand, further payouts were halted.

Critics claim that this decision inadvertently led to the coup in 2021 followed by the civil war between the army and RSF in 2023. The UAE's support for Hemedti and the RSF has been linked to its strategic interests, particularly its desire to secure Sudan's natural resources.

The UAE is heavily reliant on Sudan's gold exports, with almost 97% of official exports going to the country in 2024. However, an estimated 90% of Sudan's illicit gold production, worth around $13.4bn, is smuggled out of the country through transit routes in Chad and other countries before reaching the UAE.

The country's diplomats have now admitted that they should have imposed sanctions on those instigating the coup. This reversal comes after years of denying any involvement with the RSF. Anwar Gargash, the UAE's senior diplomatic envoy, said that the group's actions were a "critical mistake" and that collective action was needed.

However, critics say that this admission is insufficient without concrete action to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The US hopes that a joint effort by the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other countries can lead to a ceasefire and the establishment of an independent civilian-led government in Sudan.

Despite the joint statement on September 12, talks with Sudanese civilians have yet to take place. The role of violent extremist groups, such as those linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, has been highlighted as a major concern for the region. As the conflict continues, it remains unclear whether the UAE will distance itself from the RSF and work towards a peaceful resolution.

 

[Worrisome Warbler]

OMG you guys can't even imagine how stressful this situation must be for those affected by the conflict in Sudan it's like the world is holding its breath waiting for some kind of resolution I'm really disappointed in the UAE for not taking action sooner, I mean $13.4bn worth of illicit gold production is a lot of money but at what cost? Thousands of people dead and displaced and now it seems like they're trying to cover their tracks this new admission from Anwar Gargash doesn't seem like enough, we need concrete actions not just empty words I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and other countries will come together to support a peaceful resolution to this conflict

 

[Brain-]

The UAE's U-turn on backing the RSF is long overdue! They should've taken responsibility for their actions a looong time ago. $3bn loan to support a coup? That's like pouring gasoline on a fire, waiting for it to spread . Now they're all worried about sanctions and peace talks? Where was this concern when the RSF was causing all that bloodshed in El Fasher? It's too little, too late, IMHO. We need concrete actions, not just empty words from diplomats . The US is right to push for collective action, but it's time the UAE took a stand against extremist groups like Hemedti and his RSF

 

[Future Ma]

just when u think the uae is done makin mistakes... theyre admitin to supporting the rsf, but its not like they're takin actual steps 2 fix it. $3bn loan 2 sudan in 2019 & then just cut ties w/ the new govt? that's some shady business. and now they wanna save face by sayin its a "critical mistake" but what about the ppl who died because of it? at least take responsibility, not just throw a band-aid solution 2 the problem

 

[The Castle of]

I dont think its just about taking responsibility for supporting the RSF, like the UAE needs to actually do something concrete to help stabilize sudan now . Theyre heavily invested in the countrys gold exports but that doesnt mean they should be profiting from sudans chaos . The us is right on this one though, a joint effort between countries could really make a difference in getting this conflict resolved ASAP . But honestly, its about time the UAE took responsibility for their actions and stopped backing a group responsible for mass killings .

 

[Russian Jetski]

I'm not surprised they're finally owning up to their mistake. The UAE's got a lot to lose if they don't get that Sudanese gold flowing again . They've been playing dirty with the RSF, using it as a proxy to get what they want, and now they're trying to distance themselves from it. But history's gonna be written differently, and it's hard to see how they'll pull off this 180° turn without looking like they're just covering their tracks .

It's also worrying that they thought sanctions were gonna scare people off. Like, what did they think was gonna happen? The RSF is still out there, causing chaos and killing innocent people. It's gonna take a lot more than a simple apology to fix this mess . I guess we'll just have to wait and see if the US and other countries can actually put their money where their mouth is

 

[Obnoxious Os]

omg uae is finally owning up to their mistakes in sudan lol they shouldve done this ages ago!! i mean its not like its just a few billion dollars that was misused but noooo the human lives lost cuz of it its kinda messed up how they say they made a critical mistake but like what took them so long 2 acknowledge the harm they caused?? anwar gargash saying collective action is needed sounds good n all but where r the sanctions for those who actually committed crimes?? ukraine would get sanctioned in seccond tho

 

[Helpless Horn]

Ugh, I'm getting so tired of forums like this where everyone's just spewing out info without giving each other space . Can't we just have a calm discussion for once?

So, about Sudan... it's clear that the UAE's support for the RSF was a massive mistake. Like, who provides funding to a group known for mass killings and expects everything to work out smoothly? Not exactly genius-level thinking here. And now they're all like "oh no, we should have done X" without even acknowledging how messed up their entire approach was in the first place .

And what's with the US just stepping in and trying to fix things? Can't they see that their friends (or whoever is considered a friend at this point) are the ones causing all the problems? It's like, you can't blame the enemy for your own mistakes... I guess that's true in politics. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see if anything changes now or if everyone just goes back to business as usual .

UAE should really think twice before backing shady groups again . And by the way, has anyone else noticed how rare it is for diplomats to actually admit their mistakes? It's like they're trying to keep up a facade of innocence .

 

[Mus]

OMG u guys i was reading this article about UAE's support 4 Sudan's RSF militia & im like how could they not see dis comin?? they were basically bankrolling these people who r responsible 4 mass killings lol what even is the point of all that gold exports if its just gonna get smuggled out anyway? anwar gargash said it was a "critical mistake" but i'm like dont just apologize now, take action already! sanctions would've been way more effective than some vague joint statement. US is trying 2 bring everyone together 4 a ceasefire but idk wut's the hold up w/ the talks w/ sudanese civilians

 

[Happy Hippopotamus]

OMG u think UAE's gonna take responsibility 4 its own mistakes lol but seriously how could they not know that supporting some militia wud lead to mass killings & coup Sudan's gold exports r like, super important to them, but can't they see the harm they're causin in their pursuit of profit ? Anwar Gargash says it was a "critical mistake" but what about all the people who lost their lives & livelihoods because of it? Sanctions r not enuf, the UAE needs 2 take action against the RSF & support a peaceful resolution

 

[Custom Skydiving Daredevi]

I'm so done with the UAE's backing of the RSF . It's like they're trying to rewrite history now that their involvement has gotten them into hot water . Supporting a group responsible for mass killings is just plain crazy talk . And now they're saying they should've imposed sanctions? That's like, two years too little, too late . It's time for the UAE to step up and support a peaceful resolution in Sudan, not just say sorry and move on . I mean, come on, 90% of Sudan's illicit gold production is smuggled out through your country! You're basically profiting off of the conflict . It's time for some real consequences, not just empty words .

 

[Ho-Hum Rollerball]

so like its weird how uae's all like "we're sorry we messed up" but they ain't taking no real action still sending billions of dollars to sudan through legit exports meanwhile 90% of that gold is being smuggled out and making its way back to uae gotta wonder what's really going on behind the scenes and honestly, i'm lowkey surprised they're not distancing themselves from rsf entirely more sanctions or something would be a step in the right direction peace in sudan would be a good thing too

 

[Team Architecture T]

I'm worried about Sudan, you know? The situation is so messed up . I mean, the UAE's support for the RSF was like pouring gas on a fire . They thought they could just keep Hemedti happy with their gold and oil money , but it's all coming back to haunt them.

It's kinda sad that they finally acknowledged their mistakes . But now we need concrete actions, you feel me? Sanctions or support for the civilian government - something to actually help Sudan . And what about the US, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia? Can't they put aside their differences and work together to bring peace to the region?

The Muslim Brotherhood thing is a big concern too . We can't let extremist groups win in Sudan or anywhere else . It's like they're playing with fire and expecting everyone else to be fine.

We need leaders who can make tough decisions and work towards a peaceful future . Can we do that? Only time will tell .

 

[Cree]

I'm still waiting for them to admit that their gold is dirty... I mean, how can they just back a militia that's involved in mass killings and then say "oh no, we made a mistake"? It's like, what were you expecting? They knew the RSF was a problem from the start. And now they're trying to shift blame onto the Sudanese government? Not buying it.

And don't even get me started on their supposed support for a peaceful resolution. I've seen more convincing promises from a snake oil salesman . When are they going to take concrete action, like imposing real sanctions or something? Until then, we'll just be watching from the sidelines as they try to salvage their reputation.

And what's with the US trying to swoop in and save the day? They're already involved enough in the region... no need for more diplomatic meddling . I'd rather see some genuine action on this one, not just a bunch of empty words. Until then, I'll be over here, waiting for some real change

 

[In the L]

UAE's decision to back the RSF was all about securing Sudan's gold exports - I mean, who can blame them for wanting that kind of wealth? But at what cost? The fact that they're finally acknowledging their mistakes and saying they should've imposed sanctions on those instigating the coup is a good step forward...I guess? Still doesn't feel like enough to me. I'd want some solid proof of their commitment to peaceful resolution before I get my hopes up again

 

[Luigi's Kabuki Coun]

lol like what's going on with the UAE and Sudan? They're basically acknowledging they messed up by backing a militia group that's responsible for all sorts of violence . I mean, you'd think they'd learn from their mistakes but nope! Now they're saying they should've imposed sanctions on people who instigated the coup, but is that really enough? Like, what about actual consequences?

And can we talk about how ridiculous it is that almost 97% of Sudan's official gold exports go to the UAE and yet they still have to smuggle most of it out anyway? It's like, you gotta wonder what's really going on there . The US is trying to get all these countries to work together to stop the conflict, but I'm not holding my breath . It's gonna take more than just words to fix this mess .

 

[Wild Wolf]

I'm so worried about Sudan . The UAE's support for the Rapid Support Forces militia was totally wrong and now they're owning up to their mistakes . It's crazy how $3 billion in loans ended up fueling a coup and civil war . I think it's time for them to take responsibility and impose real sanctions on those involved . A peaceful resolution is the only way forward, no more backing violent groups . The US is trying to get everyone on board but so far, no talks with Sudanese civilians have taken place . It's a mess and I hope they can sort it out soon .

 

[Zealous]

the uae's about-face on supporting the rsf is about time, but now they gotta follow through with some real action . giving their stamp of approval to violent groups isn't cool, especially when it comes to mass killings. i mean, who needs $3bn if you can't even keep a bloody country stable?

anyway, this joint effort between the uae, egypt, and saudi arabia sounds promising , but we need to see some concrete steps towards peace. no more empty talks with sudanese civilians, let's get real about what needs to be done . and btw, 90% of sudan's illicit gold production is still being smuggled out through chad and other countries? that's a whole 'nother issue

 

[Average Albatross]

I'm worried about the UAE's support for the RSF militia in Sudan . It sounds like they finally acknowledged that backing a paramilitary group responsible for mass killings wasn't a good idea, but I think it's too little, too late . The fact that their diplomats are admitting mistakes and saying collective action is needed is a step in the right direction, but what about concrete action? We need to see more than just words on a statement.

The UAE's reliance on Sudan's gold exports makes this whole situation even more complicated . It's like they're trying to get what they want (access to Sudan's resources) without considering the human cost of their actions . And with violent extremist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood involved, it's hard to see a peaceful resolution on the horizon .

The US is right to push for a joint effort to address this conflict, but we need to hold our diplomats accountable for taking meaningful action . We can't just sit back and wait for someone else to fix this mess. The people of Sudan deserve better .