Today's Edition
ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)
The UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all efforts for a ceasefire and peace in Sudan, pledging new aid contributions and stepping up humanitarian assistance as the civil war continues to displace millions and devastate the country’s infrastructure.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023, the UAE has provided more than $700 million in humanitarian assistance, part of a broader $3.95 billion in aid extended to Sudan between 2014 and 2025. The support has come in the form of emergency food supplies, medical aid, and infrastructure assistance across Sudan and neighbouring host countries.
Recent efforts included a $100 million package announced in October, focused on relief in El Fasher - the capital of North Darfur - which has witnessed some of the conflict’s worst violence. At the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan in Addis Ababa earlier this year, co-hosted by the UAE, Ethiopia, the African Union, and IGAD, the country also pledged $200 million to support emergency operations in Sudan and neighbouring countries.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country remains aligned with regional and international partners in pursuing a humanitarian truce and comprehensive ceasefire. It has repeatedly condemned attacks on civilians and residential areas in El Fasher and other war-affected regions, describing them as “flagrant violations of international humanitarian law”.
“The UAE reiterates that there is no military solution to the Sudanese crisis,” the Ministry said in a statement last week, stressing the need for a political process and a unified international stance to end the conflict. It also warned against exploiting humanitarian aid for political or military gain, calling such actions unacceptable.
Humanitarian operations led by UAE agencies have included 162 relief flights and one ship delivering more than 12,710 tonnes of food, medical and relief supplies. Targeted initiatives have addressed vulnerable groups, including a $10.25 million contribution to UN programmes for Sudanese refugee women and a $4 million agreement with UNICEF to fund education projects for refugee children in Chad.
Two field hospitals established by the UAE in Chad have treated more than 90,000 cases and, in March, the UAE inaugurated a third hospital in Madhol, South Sudan. The UAE has also supported 127 health facilities across 14 Sudanese states and contributed $70 million to UN agencies operating in the country, in addition to $30 million in direct support to neighbouring host countries.
Beyond emergency aid, the UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) has completed several humanitarian projects in eastern Chad, assisting more than 131,000 Sudanese refugees and local residents.
In partnership with UNHCR, the foundation drilled 10 wells, providing potable water for 65,000 people and established a fully equipped solar-powered health clinic serving 66,000 beneficiaries. All projects were successfully completed in October.
The UAE, home to over 240,000 Sudanese residents and 33,000 students, said its engagement would continue to prioritise peace, stability and dignity for the Sudanese people.
“The UAE will carry on supporting regional and international efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and to finally deliver the peace, stability, and security that the Sudanese people are calling for,” Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the UAE Mission to the UN, said during a UN Security Council meeting last month.
