US Criticism of Boulos’ Move: Press Conference in UAE Raises Questions About Washington’s Stance on Abu Dhabi’s Support for RSF

A notable comment from American researcher Cameron Hudson has sparked wide political debate after he criticized the decision of Masad Boulos, U.S. Presidential Advisor on African Affairs, to hold a press conference in the United Arab Emirates, a country internationally accused of being a primary enabler of crimes committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.
Hudson questioned on X who had the “brilliant idea” of having Boulos hold a press conference in Abu Dhabi, noting that Boulos “has not taken such a step in any other country,” despite the UAE facing serious allegations of politically, militarily, and logistically supporting the RSF.
Hudson pointed out that this move appears completely contradictory to the concerns expressed by Sudanese Sovereignty Council Chairman Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is increasingly wary of the UAE’s role and of his relationship with Boulos himself. He asked:
“If al-Burhan feels suspicion toward the UAE and Boulos, was this really the right way to ease those concerns?”
The American researcher also raised a deeper question regarding the nature of the visit, wondering whether Boulos’ appearance at the press conference indicated any stance against Abu Dhabi or pressure to stop its support for the RSF. Hudson concluded that what was publicly shown “does not suggest that Boulos challenged the UAE or held it accountable for supporting the militia.”
This debate comes amid growing international outrage over the UAE’s role in the Sudanese war, coinciding with European and African efforts calling for sanctions and a halt to the flow of weapons and funds to the RSF, following documented atrocities in Al-Fashir and Darfur.