Jakarta –
Relations between Saudi Arabia and the United arab Emirates (UAE) are being tested again. The cause is differences in support for the fighting factions in the region.
during his latest visit to Washington,Saudi crown prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is said to have asked US President Donald Trump to put pressure on Abu Dhabi,because it is suspected of supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan.
When the civil war erupted in April 2023, Saudi Arabia was in the stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which was fighting against the RSF. Now, Riyadh has turned into a mediator between the two disputing parties.
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The Sudan conflict has developed into a humanitarian disaster and the world’s largest displacement crisis. Despite widespread allegations of war crimes, the UAE is accused of continuing to supply weapons to the RSF, a charge Abu Dhabi denies.
However, instead of criticizing Saudi maneuvers through Trump, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) chose to remain silent in the public space, while reiterating that the UAE was not involved in the war.
“What’s happening in Sudan is a tragedy,” said a Western diplomat. “The UAE and Saudi Arabia have different views on how to resolve the conflict, and this is causing tension between them.”
Saudi Arabia wants a return to civilian rule, while the UAE is more concerned with maintaining stability in the region, even if it means supporting a military government. This difference in approach is rooted in their broader geopolitical strategies.
The UAE has close ties with General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the commander of the RSF, while Saudi Arabia has traditionally supported the Sudanese army. this has led to a situation where the two countries are backing opposing sides in the conflict.
The situation is further elaborate by the involvement of other regional powers, such as Egypt and Qatar, who also have their own interests in Sudan. This makes it difficult to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The US is trying to mediate between the warring parties, but its efforts have so far been unsuccessful. The Biden administration has called on both sides to cease hostilities and return to the negotiating table.
The conflict in Sudan is having a devastating impact on the country’s economy and infrastructure. Millions of people have been displaced, and there is a growing risk of famine.The international community is providing humanitarian aid, but it is indeed not enough to meet the needs of the affected population.