African Mediation Efforts to Bridge the Rift Between Sudan and the UAE

Mogadishu – Sudanese Echoes

Diplomatic sources revealed ongoing African-led informal efforts aimed at easing tensions between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud playing a central role in the mediation.

Relations between Khartoum and Abu Dhabi deteriorated sharply after the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023, amid Sudan’s accusations that the UAE was supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The crisis culminated in Sudan declaring the UAE a hostile state.

According to Sudan Tribune, President Mohamud received on 27 August two separate messages: one from President Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, and another from UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed. Both letters addressed bilateral relations and coordination on security and intelligence matters.

Sudan dispatched its intelligence chief to Mogadishu to deliver Al-Burhan’s message, which emphasized Khartoum’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Somalia in confronting common challenges, particularly combating terrorism and safeguarding regional security. In turn, Abu Dhabi sent a high-level delegation led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan, who met President Mohamud to discuss expanding political, economic, and security cooperation.

Reliable sources confirmed that Sudan expressed concerns—through the Somali side—about transfers of weapons and equipment via Bosaso Airport in Somalia’s Puntland region to the RSF. The sources indicated that these shipments were reportedly directed to Nyala Airport in South Darfur, currently under RSF control.

The sources further noted that while President Mohamud’s mediation efforts remain premature, he conveyed Sudan’s observations to the Emirati delegation.

It is noteworthy that Somalia currently holds a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a factor that explains the growing competition between Khartoum and Abu Dhabi to engage Mogadishu ahead of an upcoming Council session on the situation in Sudan.