Gargash praises UK denial of British arms sent via UAE to Sudan's RSF

ABU DHABI - Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said Wednesday the UK government's recent denial of claims that British arms were supplied to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) via the UAE as "notable and significant." 

Gargash’s statement comes amid ongoing accusations in Sudan's civil war, where both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) face allegations of war crimes.

Claims surfaced that UK-manufactured weapons, including target systems and armoured vehicle engines, reached the RSF through the UAE, based on UN Security Council dossiers submitted by the SAF in 2024 and 2025. 

The UAE has consistently denied arming the RSF, positioning itself as a key mediator and major humanitarian donor in Sudan while calling for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded aid access, and civilian rule. Gargash emphasized that "the facts expose the misinformation," reaffirming the UAE's unchanged stance.​

UK Foreign Secretary's denial

At the Munich Security Conference last weekend, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper categorically rejected the allegations, stating she had reviewed 2,000 arms export licenses to ensure no leakage to Sudan. Cooper described the claims as "unfounded" and noted that more than a dozen countries are implicated in arms flows to Sudan's warring parties through funding, manufacturing, transit, or training.

US envoy Massad Boulos echoed this, condemning external support to both sides as "totally counterproductive." 

Sudan's SAF-backed Prime Minister Kamil Idris, also at Munich, rejected ceasefire proposals unless they lead to the RSF's eradication.

Gargash praised Cooper's Munich remarks as a rebuttal to RSF arming claims, calling them a welcome development in clarifying misinformation. 

He contrasted this with the UAE's consistent push for de-escalation, urging focus on Sudan's humanitarian crisis rather than unproven accusations.​

Earlier this month, The UAE pledged $500 million in humanitarian aid to support war-torn Sudan, marking a significant contribution to international efforts addressing one of the world's most severe ongoing crises.

UAE Minister of State Lana Zaki Nusseibeh delivered the pledge to a United Nations fund dedicated to humanitarian aid in Sudan. 

Nusseibeh emphasised the urgent needs of the Sudanese people, noting that more than half of the population requires immediate assistance for essentials like food, medical care, shelter, and other life-saving support.