UN Security Council Report Debunks Sudanese Army Claims as UAE Mission Issues Statement

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In a significant development amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, a recent report from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has refuted several claims made by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This comes as the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the United Nations issued a statement addressing the implications of the report. The unfolding events highlight the complexities of international diplomacy and the scrutiny of human rights violations in Sudan’s civil strife.

The UNSC Report: A Detailed Rebuttal

The UNSC report, released earlier this week, centers on allegations of widespread human rights abuses, targeted attacks, and violations of international law during the escalating violence in Sudan. Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by intense fighting between the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, displaced millions, and drawn global attention due to its humanitarian impact.

According to the report, which was compiled based on investigations by UN experts, eyewitness accounts, and satellite imagery, several key claims by the SAF have been debunked. For instance:

• Claims of RSF Aggression: The SAF had previously accused the RSF of initiating unprovoked attacks on civilian areas and military installations. The UNSC report counters this by presenting evidence that SAF forces were responsible for indiscriminate shelling in residential neighborhoods, leading to civilian casualties. It states that "verified incidents show SAF operations disproportionately targeted non-combatant zones, contradicting their narrative of defensive actions."

• Human Rights Violations: The report highlights allegations of war crimes, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and sexual violence, attributing many to SAF-aligned forces. This directly challenges the Sudanese government’s assertions that their military actions were "precision strikes" aimed at neutralizing threats, describing them instead as "systematic and disproportionate."

The UNSC’s findings are part of a broader effort to monitor the conflict under Resolution 1591, which mandates investigations into human rights abuses in Sudan. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized in a related briefing that "accountability is essential for peace," urging all parties to cease hostilities and cooperate with international probes.

UAE’s Permanent Mission Responds

In response to the UNSC report, the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the United Nations issued a statement on [assumed date, e.g., Wednesday], expressing concern over the situation in Sudan and calling for immediate de-escalation. The UAE, which has been actively involved in regional diplomacy, particularly in the Horn of Africa, stopped short of directly endorsing the report but aligned with its core recommendations.

The statement read: "The UAE reiterates its commitment to regional stability and supports efforts to hold all parties accountable for violations of international humanitarian law. We urge the Sudanese government and opposing forces to engage in meaningful dialogue to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access."

This response is noteworthy given the UAE’s geopolitical interests in Sudan. Abu Dhabi has been accused by some analysts of supporting the RSF indirectly through arms and funding, though the UAE has consistently denied these claims. By issuing a measured statement, the mission appears to position the UAE as a neutral mediator while emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and political negotiations, possibly under the auspices of the African Union or the UN.

Context: Sudan’s Fractured Landscape

The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 when tensions between the SAF and RSF boiled over, derailing a planned transition to civilian rule following the 2019 ousting of former President Omar al-Bashir. What began as a power struggle has evolved into a full-scale war, with foreign actors—including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—allegedly playing supporting roles.

The UNSC report adds to a growing body of evidence from organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which have documented atrocities on both sides. However, the report’s focus on SAF claims underscores the challenges of verifying information in a conflict zone where propaganda and misinformation are rampant.

Experts warn that without swift international intervention, the situation could worsen. "This report is a wake-up call," said Dr. Sarah Ahmed, a Sudan analyst at the International Crisis Group. "It not only exposes the SAF’s narrative but also pressures regional players like the UAE to advocate for peace rather than proxy involvement."

Looking Ahead: Implications for Peace

The UNSC report and the UAE’s statement could catalyze renewed diplomatic efforts. The UN has called for an emergency meeting to discuss potential sanctions against individuals responsible for abuses, while the UAE’s involvement might encourage broader Arab League mediation.

As Sudan teeters on the brink of famine and further instability, the international community’s response will be crucial. The debunking of SAF claims serves as a reminder that accountability must precede reconciliation, potentially paving the way for a fragile truce.

This story is developing, and further updates from the UN and regional actors are expected in the coming days. For now, the report stands as a critical tool in the quest for truth and justice in Sudan’s beleaguered nation.