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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has extended an offer to mediate between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), seeking to resolve escalating tensions between the two nations. Erdogan proposed the initiative during a phone call with Sudan’s military leader, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, on Friday, according to the Turkish presidential office.
This move comes shortly after Erdogan brokered a significant agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia aimed at resolving territorial disputes, underscoring Turkey’s growing role as a peace mediator in Africa.
Sudan’s Accusations Against UAE
The Sudanese government has accused the UAE of providing military support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that has been engaged in a brutal conflict with Sudan’s armed forces since April 2023. These allegations include supplying weapons and prolonging the civil war. The UAE, however, denies these claims, stating that the Sudanese government is unwilling to engage in peace negotiations.
Erdogan’s Statement on Sudan
Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to peace and stability in Sudan. “Our core principles include establishing peace, preserving Sudan’s territorial integrity, and preventing external interference in the region,” the Turkish presidential communications office stated. Erdogan emphasized that Turkey is ready to mediate to bring an end to the ongoing crisis, which has displaced over 13 million people and created a dire humanitarian situation.
Background on the Sudan Conflict
Sudan descended into chaos in April 2023 when tensions between its military, led by Gen. Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, escalated into full-blown conflict. Battles erupted in the capital, Khartoum, and spread across regions like Darfur, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced.
The war has exacerbated humanitarian crises, with widespread reports of sexual violence and the use of rape as a weapon of war. Food shortages, collapsing infrastructure, and insufficient aid have further compounded the suffering of Sudanese civilians.
Turkey’s Regional Diplomacy
Earlier in the week, Erdogan hosted Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara. The discussions led to a joint declaration acknowledging Somalia’s territorial integrity while recognizing Ethiopia’s potential economic benefits from access to the sea. The leaders also agreed to initiate talks to resolve tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s agreements with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.
The dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia intensified earlier this year when Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, leasing land along its coast to establish a military base. Somalia viewed this as a violation of its sovereignty. Erdogan’s mediation efforts successfully brought both parties to the negotiating table, a development viewed as a diplomatic win for Turkey.
Challenges Ahead for Sudan and UAE
While Erdogan’s offer to mediate between Sudan and the UAE is a promising step, the road to peace remains uncertain. The deep-rooted mistrust between Sudan’s warring factions and external actors like the UAE complicates the conflict resolution process.
Turkey’s approach focuses on fostering dialogue and maintaining regional stability, but it remains to be seen whether both Sudan and the UAE will agree to Turkish-led mediation.