UAE dismisses Ethiopian RSF camp allegations

The UAE has firmly denied allegations that it financed and supported an RSF training camp in Ethiopia, according to The National via Reuters on February 12th.

Abu Dhabi pushed back against a report claiming it backed a secret facility in Ethiopia’s western Benishangul-Gumuz region for fighters linked to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). A senior UAE official said on February 12th that the Emirates “categorically rejects” claims that it provided weapons, funding, trainers or logistical support to the RSF, reiterating that it is “not a party” to Sudan’s conflict and is focused on humanitarian aid and ceasefire efforts.

“The UAE categorically rejects allegations that it has provided, financed, transported or facilitated any weapons, ammunition, drones, vehicles, guided munitions or other military equipment to the RSF, whether directly or indirectly,” said the official.

The allegations stem from a Reuters report which said Ethiopia is hosting a secret training camp for thousands of fighters tied to the RSF. Citing unnamed sources, including an Ethiopian government official, diplomats and an internal security document, the news agency reported that the camp’s construction and operations were allegedly financed and supported by the UAE, including claims of military trainers and logistical assistance. The agency said they reviewed satellite imagery and diplomatic communications but noted it could not independently verify the UAE’s alleged involvement or confirm the camp’s exact purpose.

“The UAE has repeatedly made clear that it is not a party to this conflict and is not in any way involved in the hostilities,” said the official, adding that the claims “are unfounded and do not reflect the facts on the ground or the UAE’s long-standing and transparent position”. The UAE had previously been accused of arming the RSF.

Sudan’s war erupted nearly three years ago after tensions between army chief and de facto leader Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and RSF commander Gen Mohamed Dagalo escalated into open fighting. Disputes over the future structure of the armed forces and the role of the paramilitary group in a democratic Sudan triggered a conflict that began in Khartoum and quickly spread nationwide. The war has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced around 13 million. Nearly half of Sudan’s population, about 25 million people, faces hunger in what has become one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The UN has accused both sides of committing war crimes.

Diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire are ongoing. US President Donald Trump’s envoy Massad Boulos is pushing for a truce alongside the UAE and other countries, followed by a return to civilian rule in Sudan, which ended with a military coup in 2021 led by the now-rival generals.

“The UAE remains committed to working with regional and international partners, including through the Quad, to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people,” said the official. The Quad includes the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Abu Dhabi is among Sudan’s largest humanitarian donors. According to figures from the UAE Foreign Ministry, the Emirates has provided more than $4.24 billion in assistance to Sudan over the past decade, including nearly $800 million in humanitarian aid since 2023. This month, the UAE pledged an additional $500 million to a humanitarian fund for Sudan at a conference in Washington and later welcomed a “Comprehensive Peace Plan” announced by the US.

Meanwhile, several regional countries have deployed troops and military equipment to bases across East Africa and forged agreements with states including Somalia, Ethiopia and Djibouti. These deployments are aimed at combating piracy, conducting anti-terrorism operations and safeguarding shipping routes in the strategically vital Red Sea corridor.

The National via Reuters, Maghrebi.org