Geopolitical Briefing: Sudan
11 May 2025
- Sudan severs diplomatic ties with the UAE over alleged RSF support, citing violations of sovereignty.
- RSF conducts unprecedented drone attacks on Port Sudan, targeting critical infrastructure and disrupting humanitarian aid.
- At least 33 civilians killed in suspected RSF attacks on a prison in el-Obeid and a displacement camp in Darfur.
- Sudan’s humanitarian crisis intensifies, with over 30 million people requiring assistance amid aid funding cuts.
- Sudan and Russia reaffirm commitment to establishing a Russian naval base on the Red Sea coast.(The Guardian, Reuters, Al Jazeera, ReliefWeb, Sudan Tribune)
On May 6, 2025, Sudan announced the severance of diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), accusing it of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing civil conflict. Defense Minister Yassin Ibrahim stated that the UAE violated Sudanese sovereignty by allegedly backing the RSF, which is engaged in armed conflict with the national army. The UAE denies supplying weapons to the RSF and recently avoided a genocide-related lawsuit at the International Court of Justice due to jurisdictional limitations. This move indicates Sudan’s attempt to assert political independence and reduce external influence over its internal affairs.(The Guardian)
In a significant escalation, the RSF launched drone attacks on Port Sudan on May 6, 2025, marking the first such assault on the city amid the ongoing civil war. The attacks targeted a fuel depot, military base, and a hotel near the offices of Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s transitional military council. These strikes disrupted power and halted all flights to the city, which has served as a critical humanitarian and logistical hub since the army was pushed out of Khartoum by the RSF two years ago. The African Union condemned the attacks as a dangerous escalation posing threats to civilians and aid efforts. This development underscores the RSF’s growing military capabilities and the challenges faced by the Sudanese government in maintaining control over its territory and ensuring the safety of its citizens.(Financial Times)
At least 33 civilians were killed in suspected RSF attacks on a prison in el-Obeid and a displacement camp in Darfur. These attacks highlight the RSF’s continued operations in conflict zones, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and undermining efforts to stabilize the region. The targeting of civilian infrastructure and vulnerable populations reflects the RSF’s disregard for international humanitarian law and further complicates the Sudanese government’s efforts to protect its citizens and restore order.(Al Jazeera)
Sudan’s humanitarian crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with over 30 million people—more than half the population—requiring assistance in 2025. The situation has been exacerbated by significant aid funding cuts, including an 84% reduction in U.S. foreign assistance. The International Rescue Committee warns that these cuts have led to the shutdown of essential programs, such as food kitchens, and urges a strategic reallocation of aid to prioritize conflict-affected countries. The Sudanese government’s ability to address the crisis is hindered by limited resources and ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for increased international support and effective governance to alleviate the suffering of its people.(ReliefWeb, AP News)
Sudan and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a Russian naval base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast. An agreement signed years ago for the creation of a Russian naval base remains on the table following talks in Moscow, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Yusef Sharif said in an interview with Russia Today on Wednesday. This development reflects Sudan’s strategic efforts to diversify its international partnerships and enhance its geopolitical standing. By engaging with Russia, Sudan aims to bolster its security infrastructure and assert greater control over its maritime borders, potentially reducing reliance on Western powers and fostering a more balanced foreign policy approach.(Sudan Tribune, Reuters)
