Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has extended an offer to mediate between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to address tensions linked to the UAE’s alleged military support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Erdogan proposed a call on Friday with Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chair of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council. A statement from Turkey’s presidential communications office noted Erdogan’s commitment to fostering peace, stating that Turkiye’s core principles include establishing peace and stability in Sudan, preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and preventing external interventions.
The Sudanese government has previously accused the UAE of fueling the conflict by supplying arms to the RSF, allegations the UAE has strongly denied. Sudan’s representative to the United Nations, Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith, claimed Abu Dhabi has exacerbated the war, but the UAE described the accusations as spurious and unfounded.
Sudanese military forces have released photos and recordings of alleged weapons seized from the RSF, claiming they originated in the UAE.
The ongoing war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army led by Al-Burhan and the RSF under Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), has resulted in a catastrophic toll. More than 20,000 people have died, and over 14 million have been displaced, according to UN and local authorities.
The fighting, now impacting 13 of Sudan’s 18 states, has created a dire humanitarian crisis. Millions are facing famine and death due to severe food shortages and disrupted aid.
Erdogan’s offer is part of growing international calls to end the war and spare Sudan from further devastation. Ankara has positioned itself as a neutral mediator, with Erdogan emphasising the importance of resolving regional conflicts peacefully and ensuring Sudan’s stability and unity.
