Hommam Al Nassim 
The British newspaper “The Guardian” reported that British government officials tried to suppress criticism directed at the UAE and its alleged role in supplying weapons for rapid support in Sudan.
The newspaper pointed out that “allegations that Foreign Office officials are putting pressure on African diplomats to avoid criticizing the UAE over its alleged military support for the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces would increase scrutiny of the United Kingdom’s relationship with the Gulf state.”
Although the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office strongly denied these allegations, UN sanctions monitors described the accusations against the UAE of providing military support to the Rapid Support Forces as “credible.”
The British newspaper added that the role of the UAE in the brutal 14-month Sudanese civil war between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces is subject to intense dispute, while the UAE denied its involvement in sending military support to any of the warring parties in Sudan.
The “Guardian” explained that the United Kingdom is currently the pen-holder in the United Nations Security Council regarding Sudan, which means that it is leading the Council’s activities regarding the third largest country in Africa.
Questions were raised about the UAE’s support for the RSF during a meeting held in London on June 13 between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development and members of the British community in Darfur, which came after the “Guardian” newspaper revealed secret talks between Britain and the RSF.
The newspaper concluded that human rights groups point to the economic relations and close ties with the Emirates that link key British figures, such as Foreign Minister David Cameron.
The United States calls on the UAE to stop supporting the warring parties in Sudan