UAE and Rapid Support Forces: Unveiling Pandora’s Box of Evil (Part 5 of 5)

In Greek mythology, Pandora’s Box represents the source of all human evils: greed, arrogance, slander, lies, envy, cowardice, audacity, and false hope. According to the myth, after Prometheus stole fire, Zeus ordered his son Hephaestus to create Pandora as a punishment for mankind. Pandora, endowed with gifts from Aphrodite, Hermes, and other deities, was warned not to open a box given to her by Zeus. However, Pandora’s curiosity led her to open the box, unleashing all the world’s evils.

Drawing a parallel to this myth, the UAE under Mohamed bin Zayed has become Sudan’s Pandora’s Box, releasing a torrent of misfortunes. The UAE’s boundless support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has raised global questions: why is the UAE doing this? What does it want from Sudan? And why does it lavishly fund this militia? This series aims to unveil the UAE’s support mechanisms for the RSF, including the weapons, vehicles, and operational backing, while detailing complaints filed by Sudan against the UAE and the international evidence corroborating these claims.

In January 2024, a UN report authored by three experts documented the UAE’s military support for the RSF. The report revealed over 122 flights from the UAE through Chad’s Um Jaras Airport, supplying weapons and logistical support to the RSF.

A detailed article by legal advisors Mutasim Ali and Yona Diamond from the Raoul Wallenberg Center for Human Rights exposed the UAE’s military, financial, and diplomatic support for the RSF. The report highlighted that the RSF is primarily responsible for the genocide in Darfur, as corroborated by the UN expert panel on Sudan. Additionally, U.S. Congress members addressed a letter to the UAE Foreign Minister in December 2023, urging an end to UAE’s military assistance to the RSF.

A comprehensive report by The New York Times uncovered how the UAE’s involvement has exacerbated Sudan’s conflict. Using Um Jaras Airport in Chad—ostensibly established for humanitarian aid—the UAE facilitated military supplies to the RSF. Satellite imagery exposed the deployment of UAE-manufactured drones, such as the Chinese-made Wing Loong 2, which provided critical aerial support, intelligence, and guided RSF operations. Other weapons supplied by the UAE included howitzers, rocket launchers, and air defense systems, altering the balance of power in favor of the RSF.

A Reuters investigation, supported by satellite images from companies like Planet, Maxar, and BlackSky, confirmed 170 flights originating from the UAE to Um Jaras since the conflict began. Video footage reviewed by Reuters showed boxes labeled with the UAE flag being transported to Sudan, which experts identified as likely containing weapons or ammunition rather than humanitarian aid.

In March 2024, Sudan filed an official complaint to the UN Security Council against the UAE, supported by evidence of its military support for the RSF. Sudan demanded compensation for the destruction caused by the RSF, as per international laws governing state responsibility for unlawful acts.

In November 2024, a confidential UN report highlighted UAE cooperation with the RSF, citing increased drone strikes originating from Um Jaras Airport, which targeted cities like Al-Fasher, Shendi, and Atbara.

Sudanese representatives emphasized that the UAE’s support for the RSF has led to severe human rights abuses, including the displacement of millions, the destruction of infrastructure, and widespread atrocities such as rape, theft, and murder.

The documented evidence of UAE support for the RSF highlights its pivotal role in prolonging the Sudanese conflict and exacerbating civilian suffering. The Sudanese government has called on the international community to take decisive action to halt UAE interference, which has resulted in catastrophic consequences for the country.

The actions of the UAE, veiled under humanitarian pretenses, have unleashed a devastating wave of destruction on Sudan, akin to Pandora’s Box, leaving millions of Sudanese in despair.