AiBotIn an exclusive interview with Professor Kenneth Roth, the former Director of Human Rights Watch, Princeton University, shed more light on the motivations behind the United Arab Emirates (UAE) increasing influence in Sudan, raising concerns about the future of the country’s sovereignty and stability.
According to Professor Roth, the UAE’s interest in Sudan is not solely based on humanitarian or economic grounds. Rather, it is deeply rooted in their desire to counter the spread of political Islam in the region. The dominant fear driving the UAE’s policies is the perceived threat posed by Islamism, an ideology that seeks to establish a more democratic and just Islamic society.
The UAE’s growing influence in Sudan is being leveraged through the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti. The RSF has been instrumental in overthrowing the democratically elected government of Omar al-Bashir and installing a transitional military council. The UAE’s support for the RSF is seen as a strategic move to counterbalance the influence of Islamist groups in the country.
However, Sudan’s rich resources and strategic location play a significant role in the UAE’s decision to strengthen ties with the RSF. The country is said to possess significant gold reserves, which could potentially boost the UAE’s economy. Dubai, a key economic hub in the UAE, is known for its gold trading industry, making Sudan’s gold a highly coveted commodity. Furthermore, Sudan’s fertile agricultural land is highly sought after by Gulf states looking to diversify their food supply, increasing the UAE’s interest in the country’s resources.
A Sudan under RSF control also presents the UAE with a unique opportunity to expand its influence along the Red Sea coast, a prized location for maritime trade and commerce. The strategic access to the Red Sea, which is also a vital corridor for international trade, could provide the UAE with a significant foothold in Africa.
Professor Roth emphasized that the implications of the UAE’s involvement in Sudan extend far beyond the country’s borders, posing concerns for regional stability and the sovereignty of democratic governments in the area. “The UAE’s actions are driven by a fear of political Islam, and this obsession has significant consequences for Africa and the Middle East,” he warned.
As the situation in Sudan continues to unfold, Professor Roth’s insights shed light on the complex web of interests and motivations driving the UAE’s actions in the region. The implications of this development are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional stability, democratic values, and the sovereignty of Sudan and its people.