The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that UAE authorities recently issued a decision to expel most of the staff of Sudan’s Consulate General in Dubai, without providing any reasons.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry added: “In a grave and blatant violation of the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, the authorities detained the expelled diplomats after they had completed all departure procedures at Dubai Airport. They were held for eight hours, subjected to interrogation, and had their phones and laptops spied upon, causing them to miss their flights and forcing them to purchase new tickets.”
The Foreign Ministry affirmed that this unprecedented incident reflects the UAE authorities’ serious disregard for their obligations under international law, which mandates the protection of diplomats and the granting of necessary immunities and privileges. These protections are the foundation of diplomatic and consular relations and ensure that diplomats and consular staff can carry out their duties.
The statement continued: “This conduct also reveals a deliberate intent to harm Sudanese nationals residing in the UAE, contrary to the UAE’s claims. This is evident in the expulsion of officials responsible for consular services, passports, and personal documentation for Sudanese citizens, and the violation of their rights and privacy.”
