Sudan cuts ties with the UAE and accuses it of supporting rebellion.

In an unprecedented move, the Sudanese Security and Defense Council announced the severance of diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of supporting the Rapid Support Forces in their ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023. The Sudanese decision, issued today, Tuesday, came hours after the International Court of Justice rejected Sudan's lawsuit against the UAE for genocide in Darfur, stating that it lacked jurisdiction over the case, citing legal and factual deficiencies in the claim. In an official statement issued by the council, it stated that the UAE "escalated its support and utilized its capabilities to supply the rebellion with advanced strategic weapons," alleging that this support contributed to targeting vital and service facilities within Sudan, especially after the recent drone attacks on Port Sudan. Despite these accusations, the UAE vehemently denied any involvement in the conflict, reiterating through its representative before the court, Reem Kteit, that the country adheres to a policy of neutrality and seeks to enhance stability and peaceful solutions in the region. In contrast, the UAE expressed condemnation for the airstrikes that targeted areas in Port Sudan and Kassala, describing them as a clear violation of international humanitarian law. Its ambassador to the United Nations, Mohammed Abu Shahab, affirmed that his country did not support, does not support, and will not support any party involved in the Sudanese war, pointing out that reports from the UN expert committee found no evidence of Emirati involvement. Sudan, for its part, declared that it reserves the right to respond by "all possible means" to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, ensure the protection of civilians, and the continued flow of humanitarian aid. As the war in Sudan enters its third year, regional tensions escalate, threatening to reshape alliance maps in the region amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis and rapid security deterioration.