U.S. Accusations in Sudan Conflict: A Closer Look
Meta Description: Claims that the U.S. is siding with the UAE in Sudan’s civil war are misleading. While tensions persist, the U.S. has actively pursued peace and humanitarian aid, contrary to accusations of favoritism.
The civil war in Sudan, now in its 16th month, has resulted in over 15,000 deaths and displaced 11 million people, according to the United Nations. This brutal conflict began in Khartoum on April 15, 2023, following rising tensions between Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, head of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
These two generals had previously orchestrated a military coup in 2021, overthrowing a military-civilian coalition meant to transition power back to a civilian government. This coalition itself was a product of the 2019 ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir. Now, talks aimed at ending the conflict continue, with Egypt backing the Sudanese Armed Forces and the UAE supporting the RSF, accused of heinous crimes in Darfur.
A recent accusation by the Association of the Sudanese Abroad suggested that U.S. priorities, shaped by ties with the UAE, are impeding effective action in Sudan. However, this claim is misleading. Since the onset of the conflict, the U.S. has made several attempts to mediate peace, albeit unsuccessfully. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, appealed to the UAE and other countries to stop supporting Sudan’s warring parties, highlighting the precarious situation in North Darfur.
The U.S., alongside Saudi Arabia and the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), initiated peace talks between the conflicting parties in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the U.S. is the largest provider of humanitarian aid in Sudan. In June 2024, USAID pledged over $315 million in humanitarian assistance in response to the crisis.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the U.S. commitment to holding war criminals accountable and announced plans to strengthen sanctions against those fueling the conflict. The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has already taken action against seven UAE-based companies for potentially violating sanctions on Sudan and sanctioned senior RSF commanders and companies contributing to the conflict.
Meanwhile, Russia has shown interest in establishing a naval logistics base on the Red Sea in exchange for arms. Reports indicate that Russian Wagner mercenaries have been supplying the RSF with missiles to support their fight against the Sudanese Armed Forces.
These developments underscore the complexity of the situation in Sudan, where international interests and alliances significantly impact the conflict’s dynamics. The U.S., contrary to allegations, continues to play a multifaceted role in seeking peace and providing aid, challenging the narrative of bias toward the UAE.
