The UAE has once again urged for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, a country currently engulfed in conflict. In a letter published in The Economist (“Chaos machine”, August 31st), Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, praised the publication for shedding light on the unfolding catastrophe in Sudan, characterizing it as a “sign of growing global disorder”. She emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in the North African nation.
The Minister highlighted the UAE's role in the recent talks held in Switzerland. “The UAE played a constructive role in helping to establish the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan format, which unlocked critical routes for aid deliveries, secured further commitments to protect civilians, and developed a proposal for a compliance mechanism to ensure implementation of the Jeddah Declaration, with the objective to secure a ceasefire.”
Lana Zaki Nusseibeh further underscored in the letter that the UAE is committed to intensifying diplomatic efforts to protect all civilians, particularly women and children, from various forms of violence, including sexual violence. She emphasized that the UAE has “continued to push for elevating and integrating the perspectives of Sudanese women into recent efforts and talks”.
Responding to allegations, the Minister clarified that they were “misdirected” and stated that “the UAE is not providing weapons or any other support to the Rapid Support Forces or any of the warring parties in Sudan”. She asserted, “We believe that the only way to achieve peace is through effective diplomacy where the warring parties must reach a full nationwide ceasefire. Only a negotiated settlement and return to a civilian-led government through our collective investment of time, expertise, leverage, and humanitarian resources will achieve the momentum needed.”
“The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is intolerable, and we remain focused on working towards securing an immediate and urgent ceasefire. Both parties must come to the next round of talks. The people of Sudan deserve our full attention and collective efforts to end this war.”
