The British government has called on the United Arab Emirates to explain allegations that Abu Dhabi is channelling mercenaries into Sudan’s civil war, a charge that threatens to strain relations between London and a key Gulf partner. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Foreign Office said it was “deeply concerned” by reports that foreign fighters were being deployed to bolster the Rapid Support Forces, the paramilitary group locked in a devastating conflict with Sudan’s regular army. The accusations, first aired by Sudanese diplomats at the United Nations, claim that UAE-linked mercenaries have been operating in the Darfur region, where the RSF holds sway.
British officials have requested an urgent briefing from Emirati authorities, emphasising that any external military involvement risks prolonging a war that has already displaced millions. The UAE, which has cultivated a reputation as a regional mediator, has denied the allegations, describing them as “baseless” and part of a smear campaign. However, the British demand for accountability underscores growing unease in Western capitals over the Gulf state’s role in conflicts across the Horn of Africa.
Analysts note that the UAE has previously deployed mercenaries in Yemen and Libya, and that its strategic interests in Sudan’s gold reserves and Red Sea ports may be driving covert involvement. For London, the issue is diplomatically delicate: the UAE is a major trade partner and a host to British military bases. The Foreign Office stopped short of threatening sanctions, but said it would raise the matter at the UN Security Council.
The Sudanese army has accused the RSF of receiving weapons and fighters from the UAE, a charge the paramilitary group denies. The war, which erupted in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands and pushed the country to the brink of famine. International efforts to broker a ceasefire have repeatedly stalled.
