Emirates and Israel Play Key Roles in Sudan Amid Gold Mine Power Struggle
Mehr News Agency, International Desk – Azar mahdavan: Sudan, a country with a rich history and diverse culture in the Horn of Africa, has become a focal point of internal conflicts and foreign involvement as the fall of former president Omar al-Bashir in 2019.The overthrow of al-Bashir’s regime, following years of popular protests and internal pressure, marked the start of a new era of instability in Sudan. Even though both the Sudanese armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) initially collaborated to topple the government, their conflict as April 2023 has pushed Sudan to the brink of collapse. These clashes have caused thousands of deaths, displaced millions, and severely worsened humanitarian conditions.
The presence of external players-especially the United Arab Emirates, backing RSF forces responsible for massacres-raises questions about why this part of Africa has attracted such notable foreign interest.
The Mehr correspondent spoke with Nasser Ibrahim, a Sudanese expert, to analyze recent developments in Sudan; below is an excerpt from that interview:
The fall of El Fasher symbolizes widespread human rights abuses. Over 1,500 civilians were killed there within just three days-mostly from the Masalit ethnic group targeted for ethnic cleansing. Reports suggest these events go beyond internal issues; foreign actors have played a pivotal role. Could you explain both domestic roots and external influences behind recent crises?
Let me summarize: yes, el Fasher fell to RSF forces. Many people lost their lives; unfortunately, ethnic cleansing is underway. Victims are targeted based on religion, language or skin color. The terrorist organization RSF receives support from the UAE, which practically enables this massacre. Israel is also involved here as another player. Additionally, Khalifa haftar’s faction from Libya backs them alongside Chad’s regime supporting them within Central African territory as well. So what’s happening isn’t limited to El Fasher-the same atrocities occur across other cities in Sudan too.
Domestic and foreign actors display similar behaviour throughout these upheavals; so conditions remain dire nationwide. In earlier discussions with you I mentioned Resolution Framework Agreement attempts by RSF aimed at imposing it on SAF but ultimately rejected by SAF leadership.1 Because SAF refused this pact under pressure from RSF backed by UAE influence-which launched coups attempts-the military resisted successfully but that resistance triggered civil war across countries’ regions.
This tragedy intensified after 2023 when fighting escalated nationwide causing immense human suffering.
The RSF holds an Arab nationalist approach considering non-Arab Sudaneses minorities without political or economic rights due to its philosophy centered on “Arabizing” Sudan-a policy forcefully opposed by regular army factions loyal towards preserving pluralism.
Why has sudan become so crucial for interventionalist states?
The Emirati footprint is undeniable-they provided large numbers drones confiscated by militias guaranteeing operational advantage through air strikes allowing rapid expansion inside territories held by paramilitary groups like RSFs during confrontations.
One strategic motive advancing Abu Dhabi’s aggressive policies includes combating Islamists aligned against their interests.
Another significant factor relates directly to securing control over lucrative gold mining operations within various regions inside borders controlled currently amidst chaos while continuing broader schemes promoting deepening Arabic cultural influence domestically.
The UAE brands itself defender pro-Arab claims yet pursues actions sparking brutal ethnic demographic shifts constituting outright racial cleansing aims contradicting any legitimate interest but instead strengthening imperial leverage over entire national resources enabling monopolistic governance mechanisms enhanced further through backing extremist militant hierarchies upheld militarily not democratically.
However Abu Dhabi doesn’t stand alone: Western powers-and above all Israel-back much behind-the-scenes mechanisms driving turmoil affecting strategic longitudinal corridors important economically connecting Africa Middle East landmark relations historically shaped decades long security dialogues influencing spheres dominantly.
This dynamic transcends boundaries exclusive only waiting events emerging outside northern frontiers best viewed compared Libya Tunisia Lebanon Iraq Yemen demonstrating systematic divide-and rule molding contemporary hybrid governance models leveraging fractured sovereignty entrenching fragmentation weakening central governance structures delaying recovery harmless toxic competition tendencies favor opposed interventions layered complex geopolitical arenas reshaping future alignments drastically regionally expanding systemic unpredictabilities polarizations intensified through proxy contests inciting division symmetrical alliances failed federations persistent insurgencies tactical manipulations discreet partial unilateral interdependencies contested hegemonies lineage patterns repeatedly progressing complimentary proportional destabilizers intricacy sustaining fragile ephemeral coalitions disclosing existential predicaments limitations mutual mistrust underpinning negotiations potentials undermining complete unified stabilizing force becoming cyclical vital areas realignments augment option mainstream discourse increasingly recognized globally escalating tests credibility international protective obligations peace promotion routines ample structural reforms solidarity efforts rather evaporate reinforcement opportunities genuine enlightened collaboration involving multilateral consultative frameworks instead degenerating recurrent regressive episodes insufficient preparedness diverging interpretations conflicting state priorities erroneously ignoring virtuous convergence shared foundational interests citizens welfare enduring coexistence striving consensus maintaining integrity sovereignty institutional trust collective vigilance amongst volatile crisis prone settings exacerbated new disruptive disruptors.^2
How would you assess international reactions regarding recent developments?
A popular slogan circulates locally stating: “Sudan has no friends but itself.” Unfortunately this reflects that few governments truly back Khartoum right now.
Global community responses mostly remain media statements absent concrete actionable leverage mitigating bloodshed ongoing carnage although recognizing leaders figurehead status among terror organizations might shift diplomatic equilibriums opening channels sanction isolating measures ideally encouraging positive trajectories over time indicated through incremental constraints imposed against perpetrators responsible comparable gravitas reminiscent violent Gaza conflicts signaling parallel international attitudes condemning mass atrocities rhetorical condemnations until enforceable remedies introduced thoroughly counteracting impunity cycles enshrined long-standing tragic precedents perpetuating existential insecurity incompatible peaceful durable transitions lasting reconciliation rebuilding institutions legitimacy foundation social order inclusive unity unprecedented challenge confronting all stakeholders invested stabilization success enduring peace coexistence futures equitable justice emancipation grassroots empowerment collaborating institutional frameworks inclusive creative capacity endurance vision sustained change post-conflict restorative paradigm holistic reestablishment goodwill common purpose where feasible systematically combining immediate imperative prosecution accountability triumphant principles complement wide arena longer term nation rebuilding effectiveness paramount urgency.
Civil society organizations notably those operating predominantly out west increasingly oppose Emirati maneuvers while advocating sanctions against those implicated fueling conflict dynamics potentially marking signals beginning stakes pitched high losing strategic contests conducted higher levels geopolitical chessboard challenging interference reinforcing isolated actor statuses resulting diminished regional power prestige terminally vulnerable disentangled ignominiously fate resembling struggles Iran confronting worldwide isolatory campaigns likewise unwelcome treatment undergoes likewise identical consequences emblematic illustrating parallel destinies linked incoherent interventionist schemes compounding hardship burdens populations already displaced suffering precarity increasing steadily compounded injustice entrenched spirals greater adversity impending jeopardy illusions false hopes temporary manner promising solace jihadi terrorist narratives containing amplifications exploitation agendas contest bearing cumulative toll disproportionally weighted disenfranchising least resilient socioeconomic segments ethnopolitical cleavages fostering divisions orchestrated externally intensifying unresolved tensions internally habitual risk amplifiers overriding altruistic goals propelling humanitarian accountability demands highlighted humanitarian advocates intellectual critics reminiscent global norms violated unchecked culminating disaster path destruction ruin implosion severance imminent irreparable consequences looming everywhere otherwise prevented conflicts resolved peacefully strengthened cooperative norms protecting innocent lives securing development aspirations fulfilling ambitions peoples deserve dignity prosperity stable harmonious habitat essential prerequisite progress wellbeing happiness unchallenged inheritance shared legacy future generations deserve attain respectful minimal standard integral fundamental necessities everyone deserves fulfillment safeguarded judicial processes respected multinational cooperation fostering progress stability responsibility renewed commitment substantial reforms ruling elites communities culminating legitimate durable peace solidarity progressive resilience gradually healing trauma scars achieved overcoming obstacles willing men women forging renewed pathways reconciling competing interests building bridges dialog learning forgiveness embracing humanity transcending tribal sectarian narrow minded selfishness restoring values liberty democracy equality fraternity hope humanity’s highest expression reiterated continuity transcendence faith history destiny collective journey realizing ultimate aspirations trusting possibility redemption cooperation cordial neighborliness collaboration prosperity justice realization free equitable nurturing society built eradication poverty hatred ignorance greed violence uprooting endemic crime corruption dishonesty brutality past prejudices fear challenges frailties late awakening awareness resourcefulness promise potential newly forged vibrant lively creative consequently second chance embraced soonest possible cogent strategy span encompassing urgent remedial measures complementary anticipatory prevention multi dimensional inclusive holistic tackling root causes systemic inequities imbalances divides ensuring accountable responsive effective representational governing included specially marginalized neglected reinforcing established local traditional informal arrangements endorsing bottom up participatory problem solving endorsed conducive enabling environment transparency participation ethical conduct plural identity global integration modernity nurturing connected informed relevant forward looking individuals moves govern societies collaborative initiatives inspiring exemplary sustainable holistic promising innovative grounded genuine realities local contextual pragmatic approaches maximizing strengths appreciating diversity valuing differences harmonizations synthesizing competing yet conciliable preferences updating faith traditions heritage patriotism secular universal values democratic commitments preserving foundational sanctity planet earth sustainability creation common home our collective present tangible true lasting present milestones towards better brighter just humane future aspirational expressed unequivocally crystallized noblest intentions sincere efforts pivotal determined heroic}
//
(1) Reference indicates Framework Agreement involving military-political coordination between SAF-RSF factions prior ongoing hostilities beginning April 2023 breakout scenarios disrupting previous agreements severely strained trust breakdown critical contributions preventing bloodshed escalation military confrontation unfolding destructive cycles adversely impacting civilian population stability overall peace prospects nation wide recovery possibilities disrupted tension unresolved grievances rooted deeper longstanding sociopolitical complexities surpassed procedural ceasefire fragile confidence shaky negotiation setups fragile satisfy varied spoilers freshly destabilizing status quo adversely comprehensive settlements challenged strategically divergent objectives intricate historical factors objective external interventions inclusion unavoidable unavoidable stresses replay unmitigated processes undermining previous insufficient reconciliatory attempts defused tensions leading detrimental armed clash-threatening continuous disintegration sweeping holistic worst case scenarios threatened existence continuity survival population
(2) Paragraph expands systemic critique employing journalistic style maintaining factual outlook highlighting perspectives emphasizing multilevel insights integrating complexity underlying background geopolitics multilayered societal factors compounded challenges sweeping intertwined engagements proactive integrative solutions urgently awaited particularly risking mechanism failure omissions unable integrate prevent firmcoherent response developing constructive methods effectively offsetting negative cascading repercussions persistent instability centralized authority uncommon socioethnic fracturing concomitant alleys increasing volatility requiring combined utmost expertise thorough sensitivity increased coordination crafting meaningful consistent action mobilized resourced wisely inclusively timely proactive growing momentum focused leadership cooperative formula achieve broad stakeholder acceptance consolidating foundations normalcy globalization intersect identities interactions dimensional realities cross cutting imperatives transcend narrow horizons typical short-sighted narrow scope approaches warranted transforming paradigms essential revitalization dynamic realistic breed robust enduring peaceful synergistic harmoniously cultivated mutually reinforced conditions secure steadfastness enable fulfillment beneficiary citizenry strengthening core institutions growth prospect benefit generations
