Dangerous US Leaks: UAE Officials Run Networks of Fake Companies to Fund and Arm the Dagalo Family
US Intelligence Intercepts Calls Between Hemeidti and UAE Leaders for Supply
Report: Sudanese Echoes
The New York Times continues its series of scandalous investigations into the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) involvement in the Sudanese war and its support for the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia against the government.
In a new development that sheds light on the foreign support provided to militia commander Hemeidti, the newspaper revealed that US administration officials confirmed that the UAE has sheltered Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeidti, and provided him with a safe residence in the capital, Abu Dhabi, in addition to providing direct military support to the militia he leads in Sudan.
The newspaper quoted its sources as saying that Hemeidti resides in a private villa under the protection of the UAE authorities in Abu Dhabi, where he is permitted to use it to record messages and speeches directed to his supporters inside Sudan.
Information reported by the newspaper discloded that the UAE has begun implementing a secret plan to supply the rebel militia with weapons via an airbase in eastern Chad. This plan aims to deliver logistical and military support indirectly, avoiding public international criticism of Abu Dhabi’s role in the Sudanese conflict.
In a move that unveils the extent of US surveillance, the newspaper confirmed that US intelligence was able to intercept direct phone calls between Hemeidti and several UAE leaders, including UAE President Mohammed bin Zayid Al-Nahyan and Mansour bin Zayid.
These calls included coordination and discussions related to the support provided to the militia.
According to the newspaper, US Intelligence Services were able to identify several UAE officials who run a complex network of front companies used to finance and arm the Rapid Support Forces militia, away from the spotlight. This network transfers funds and ships weapons through devious routes to evade international prosecution or sanctions.