UAE avoids criticism from EU regarding Sudan

The United Arab Emirates avoided a diplomatic setback after the European Parliament approved a resolution on the conflict in Sudan that omitted any reference to accusations of Abu Dhabi supporting the RSF militia. The document denounced abuses committed by both parties in the war and urged an immediate ceasefire. However, following what was described as an intense UAE lobbying effort, amendments directly criticizing the Gulf nation were excluded, leaving only general mentions of external enablers.

Lana Nusseibeh, the UAEs representative to the European Union, welcomed the resolution as timely, endorsed the call for a cessation of hostilities, and emphasized that both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces had inflicted severe hardship on civilians. A UAE official downplayed claims of extensive lobbying, telling Politico that Nusseibehs presence in Strasbourg during the parliamentary session was part of her routine diplomatic duties.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has been urging US President Donald Trump to play a role in resolving the crisis. The latest peace proposal from the White House has received a mixed response from the warring factions.

Author's Analysis: UAE Navigates European Scrutiny on Sudan Conflict

The European Parliament's recent resolution on Sudan highlights the UAE's effective diplomatic positioning. While the document condemned abuses by both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces and called for a ceasefire, references directly implicating Abu Dhabi were removed following lobbying efforts.

Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE's EU envoy, welcomed the resolution, stressing civilian suffering and supporting the ceasefire. UAE officials maintain that this outcome reflects standard diplomatic engagement rather than extraordinary lobbying.

This development underscores the UAE's ability to influence international narratives and avoid direct criticism, even amid a high-profile conflict. At the same time, regional actors, including Saudi Arabia, continue to seek broader international involvement, notably from the United States, in resolving the Sudan crisis.

Sources:

• UAE dodges EU censure over Sudan