The United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) ambassador’s residence was bombed in Sudan, during an escalating civil war, with the U.A.E. accusing the Sudanese Military (S.A.F.) of carrying out the attack. The S.A.F. refuted these claims and placed the blame on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.). U.A.E. is presumed to have evidence of the Sudanese Military carrying out this attack, calling their bluff. Sudan’s failure to transition power between the S.A.F. and the R.S.F. paramilitary has led to constant fighting since April 2023, and created one of the largest humanitarian crises consisting of sexual violence, forced displacement, and famine.  

According to World Vision, as of 7 August 2024, 13 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes in Sudan due to the dangerous environment created by the war. The conflict has exacerbated poor living conditions, as more than 12.8 million people are experiencing food insecurity and acute hunger. According to the C.F.R., over 15,000 people have been killed and control of cities between the conflicting armies has created a catastrophic environment for the Sudanese. There is lawlessness, and grave abuses that are being committed. 

Both the U.A.E. and Sudan are volleying claims back and forth over the attack. Reuters reports that the U.A.E. claims that the “heinous attack” was conducted by Sudanese military aircraft. However, Sudan affirms these are “false allegations” stating that the  “shameful and cowardly actions” had been carried out by the R.S.F. The U.A.E. ministry said the attack, which caused large-scale damage, was a “flagrant violation of the fundamental principle of the inviolability of diplomatic premises.”

The attack on the U.A.E. embassy is difficult to assess based on the various accounts and claims that different sides have given. However, it is unacceptable for an embassy to be attacked. Harming a diplomat is a crime according to international law and this attack on a diplomat can be seen as aggression against the country that the ambassador represents. A.P. News reports that in June, at the U.N. Security Council, U.A.E. and Sudan had an intense altercation regarding U.A.E.’s involvement in Sudan’s conflict. Sudan claims to have evidence of U.A.E. supplying weapons, while the U.A.E. ambassador claims that this was merely “a cynical attempt to deflect attention from the failings of the Sudanese Armed Forces.” Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, Sudan’s ambassador to the United Nations, stated that U.A.E.’s help against the S.A.F. was the “main reason behind this protracted war.” This interaction brings to light the importance of international actors on the civil war and the effects they can have on the prolongation of war. 

While some international actors are aiding either side, there have been attempts at seeking a resolution, however, the outcomes are poor. According to the Council of Foreign Relations, in May 2023, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia attempted a peace agreement, but S.A.F. refused, and denied U.N. help, essentially denying any peace efforts. Furthermore, on 8 March 2024, the U.N. Security Council called for an end to violence, which was rejected by the S.A.F. due to religious reasons and terms unmet. Obtaining the key players from inside Sudan and other international states that have the desire to help negotiate for peace is essential to resolve and end the nightmare that the Sudanese are living in. Aid needs to stop pouring into these armies and instead go directly to the people of Sudan. Outside players must have the best interest in mind for the Sudanese and the crisis they are living through. Rather than fueling conflict for their interests, looking at the interests of the majority of the Sudanese, we can see the need to put conflict aside and begin to treat Sudan with respect and seek an end to it all. 

Despite multiple deals being proposed, the warring parties have shown an unwillingness to cooperate, meanwhile, many international state actors are fueling, and prolonging the war by taking sides rather than helping reach a neutrality deal. Sudan has had a history of oppression, and this oppression and violence is continuing, with no signs of stopping. There is famine, death, violence, and forceful displacement. With other wars taking the spotlight, it is imperative that attention is not lost, and there continues to be deterrence and diplomatic talks. The millions of lives affected must be at the forefront of both the military groups in Sudan and international actors to put an end to the needless suffering and destruction of Sudan.