UAE denies allegations of supplying Chinese arms to Sudan paramilitaries

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has firmly denied accusations that it supplied Chinese-made weapons to Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which is currently engaged in a violent conflict with the country’s military government.

The denouncement follows a report released by Amnesty International that claimed to have verified footage showing RSF fighters using Chinese GB50A guided bombs and 155mm AH-4 howitzers during attacks in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, and the conflict-ridden Darfur region, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Salem Aljaberi, the UAE's Assistant Minister for Security and Military Affairs, took to social media on May 5 to reject the allegations, stating that the claims in the Amnesty report were “baseless” and “lack substantiated evidence.” He emphasized that the UAE has consistently denied accusations of arming the RSF, which have been made by various organizations, including the United Nations, the United States, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

“The UAE strongly rejects the suggestion that it is supplying weaponry to any party involved in the ongoing conflict in Sudan,” Aljaberi declared. The statement was shared by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the social media platform X.

Statement by the #UAE Assistant Minister for Security and Military Affairs, HE Salem Aljaberi:

“The United Arab Emirates is aware of a misleading report published by a non-governmental organisation regarding allegations surrounding the presence of AH-4 howitzer systems in Sudan.…

— Afra Al Hameli (@AfraMalHameli) May 8, 2025

The Amnesty report pointed to the UAE as the only known buyer of the Chinese-made 155mm AH-4 howitzers, citing data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. However, Aljaberi dismissed these conclusions, asserting that the howitzers are not exclusive to the UAE and have been available on the international market for nearly a decade. He labeled the report as “misleading,” further rejecting the idea that the UAE had any role in supplying the RSF with arms.

In recent months, the RSF has been embroiled in fierce battles with Sudan’s military, leading to significant casualties and widespread destruction. The UAE's denial of involvement in the conflict’s arms trade comes as tensions between Sudan's military government and the paramilitaries escalate.

Meanwhile, the RSF has intensified its use of long-range drones in recent weeks, particularly targeting the eastern city of Port Sudan, which serves as the country’s primary aid hub. May 9 marked the sixth consecutive day of drone attacks on Port Sudan. According to an anonymous military official speaking to AFP, the country’s air defences were able to intercept the drones, though witnesses reported significant damage to vital infrastructure, including the largest fuel storage facility, the main power station, and the only operational international airport in the city.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to the deaths of tens of thousands and displaced over 13 million people, creating what the United Nations has described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the attacks on Port Sudan, warning that they could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and complicate aid operations.

On May 2, Sudan’s Defence Minister, Yassin Ibrahim, accused the UAE of violating Sudan’s sovereignty by allegedly supporting the RSF. This led to the Sudanese government announcing the severance of diplomatic relations with the UAE. In response, Abu Dhabi rejected the legitimacy of Sudan’s internationally recognized government and reiterated its position on the arms allegations.

The UAE's legal position was also bolstered earlier this week when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dismissed Sudan’s lawsuit accusing the UAE of involvement in genocide. The court ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the case, citing the UAE’s exemption from Article 9 of the Genocide Convention.

UAE official Reem Ketait hailed the ruling as “clear and decisive,” further cementing the UAE's stance on the legal and diplomatic matters surrounding its involvement in Sudan.

By Vafa Guliyeva