UAE outlines two years of peace diplomacy for Sudan

The UAE has outlined its "sincere efforts" over the last two years to seek a civilian-led political solution in Sudan that protects innocents from "tragedy and humanitarian suffering".

The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), in contrast, continues to evade peace efforts and has severed diplomatic relations with the UAE. Even after the International Court of Justice dismissed its "fabricated accusations" against the UAE, national news agency Wam said on Saturday.

The UAE has consistently backed for a civilian-led leadership that prioritises the Sudanese people's interests, and not in their killing or displacement.

It clarified that it does not recognise the decision made by the authority in Port Sudan, asserting it does not represent the legitimate government of Sudan or its people. It further emphasised that the statement issued by the so-called Security and Defence Council would not affect the strong and enduring relations between the UAE and Sudan and its people.

The UAE reaffirmed not providing any military support to any party involved in the conflict. A claim backed by a UN report.

Throughout the Sudan crisis, the UAE has deployed humanitarian aid worth $600.4 million, reaffirming its steadfast dedication to supporting those in need during times of crisis.

When the conflict broke out in mid-April 2023, the UAE launched a series of evacuation flights to airlift 997 individuals representing about 26 different nationalities out to Sudan. They were stationed in the UAE until they could return to their respective countries. 

The UAE remains committed to the Jeddah Declaration, signed by representatives of both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces under the auspices of Saudi Arabia and the United States on May 12, 2023. It committed both parties to protect civilians in Sudan in accordance with international human rights law, to facilitate relief efforts.

A crucial timeline

In June the same year, the UAE joined France, Germany, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, the UK, the US, and the European Union under the Friends of Sudan group to urge warring parties to cease hostilities.

On July 14, the UAE welcomed the final communiqué issued at the Sudan Neighbouring Countries Summit that emphasised the importance of preserving Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting its national resources, and preventing its disintegration, while calling for non-interference in its internal affairs.

On November 15, 2023, the UAE reiterated its call for immediate ceasefire at the virtual ministerial meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council.

On March 9, 2024, the UAE welcomed the UN Security Council’s resolution calling for a ceasefire in Sudan during the month of Ramadan and participated on April 14, 2024, in the International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan, aimed to advance peace initiatives for the country.

The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to supporting international efforts for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. It also pledged $100 million to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan and neighboring countries.

During the meetings, a Declaration of Principles was adopted to support a resolution to the conflict, ongoing since April 2023, and to reinforce humanitarian and diplomatic efforts to address the severe challenges facing the Sudanese people.

On April 27, 2024, the UAE expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in Al-Fashir, North Darfur, and the threat this poses to civilians. It called on all armed factions, including the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, to end hostilities, return to dialogue, and honour their commitments.

The UAE stressed the urgent need for relief teams to have full access to deliver aid during the talks in Switzerland from August 14 to 23, 2024, initiated by the US and hosted jointly by Saudi Arabia and the Swiss Confederation.

On September 26, 2024, the UAE reaffirmed their commitment to supporting peace initiatives at the "United for Peace in Sudan" meeting hosted by Germany, France, the European Union, and the United States on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

On September 29, 2024, the UAE strongly condemned the attack on the residence of the Head of its Mission in Khartoum, carried out by a Sudanese Armed Forces aircraft, and called on the Sudanese military to bear full responsibility for the act.

On November 3, 2024, the UAE expressed deep concern over escalating violence in Sudan, particularly incidents targeting civilians in Al Jazirah State, which led to multiple deaths and injuries.

On December 28, 2024, the UAE welcomed the diplomatic efforts of Turkey to find a resolution to the ongoing crisis.

On January 26, 2025, the UAE strongly condemned the attack on the Saudi hospital in Al-Fashir, western Sudan, which resulted in the death and injury of innocent people.

On February 14, 2025, the UAE, along with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), aimed to mobilise regional and international efforts to address Sudan’s catastrophic crisis at the “High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan” in Addis Ababa.

On February 20, 2025, the UAE participated in the joint launch by the UNHCR and OCHA of the 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, along with the Regional Refugee Response Plan for Sudan.

On March 9, 2025, the UAE condemned the attack on a UNMISS peacekeeping aircraft in South Sudan and on the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces in Upper Nile State, that killed a peacekeeper and several government troops, and injured two crew members.

On March 13, 2025, the UAE, as a major humanitarian donor in North Africa, participated in the third senior-level EU humanitarian officials’ meeting on Sudan, held in Brussels.

On April 13, 2025, the UAE strongly condemned the armed attacks on Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps near Al-Fashir in Darfur, as well as on humanitarian teams and aid workers operating in the region.