The UAE’s Hidden Hand: How Abu Dhabi Bought Sudan’s Normalisation with Israel

The United Arab Emirates is once again being accused of pulling strings behind Sudan’s political chaos. Analysts say Abu Dhabi is funding separatist movements and leveraging Sudan’s fragile transition, even using its influence to secure Sudan’s normalisation with Israel. Critics like Mohamed Ali Al-Jazouli of Sudan’s State of Law and Development Party allege the UAE is “reproducing the Yemen playbook” by backing regional secessionists in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan. Phemelo speaks to Senior Research Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues, Thembisa Fakude, to unpack how the UAE’s interests are reshaping Sudan’s political future.