The French magazine Jeune Afrique, in an article titled “UAE, China, Russia, and Iran: Who is Supplying Sudan with Weapons in Its Ongoing War?”, noted that General al-Burhan’s takeover of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, represents a crucial turning point in his two-year conflict against General Hemedti. Nonetheless, this will not automatically resolve the civil war, which continues to be driven by extensive smuggling of arms and military supplies in violation of the UN embargo.
The French weekly highlighted Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s announcement two days ago from the presidential palace, where he proclaimed the “liberation” of Khartoum, stating: “Khartoum is free… It’s over.” Images circulating online depicted General al-Burhan in military attire, flanked by armed personnel, as he walked through a building marked by the remnants of conflict.
The capture of Khartoum, following a week of intense combat, marks a significant turning point in the two-year conflict with General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, popularly known as “Hemedti.” However, Jeune Afrique emphasized that seizing the capital will not put an end to the violent civil war. While al-Burhan’s forces now control not only the capital but also the eastern and northern parts of the country, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue to dominate much of Darfur.
Drones, Deaths, and Diplomacy: The Conflict in Sudan Affects Chad
According to the latest statistics from the United Nations, the civil war has caused over 18,000 civilian casualties since it began in April 2023. The organisation reported that civilians face artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks, highlighting that South Kordofan and Blue Nile states are the most impacted regions.
In this context, Jeune Afrique observed that both parties are increasingly dependent on combat drones—produced in China, Iran, and Serbia—whether they are military-grade or civilian drones adapted for military operations. The situation is becoming more complex, with heightened concerns about the conflict expanding into neighboring countries.
On March 23, Sudan’s armed forces commander-in-chief, loyal to al-Burhan, announced that “the airports of N’Djamena and Am-Djarass are legitimate targets.” Chad’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ibrahim Adam Mohamed, cautioned that “these statements might be seen as a declaration of war.” affirming that “Chad reserves the right to respond forcefully to any attempted aggression.”
UAE Changes Focus from Chad to Central African Republic Due to Escalating Tensions
Al-Burhan’s troops claim that Chad is aiding in the delivery of weapons and military supplies from the United Arab Emirates to the RSF. Chad vehemently denies these accusations, instead alleging that Sudan is interfering in its domestic matters and fueling uprisings to create instability in the nation.
Jeune Afrique reported that Abu Dhabi has allied with Chad to support Hemedti’s forces against al-Burhan. However, escalating tensions in N’Djamena are prompting the Emiratis to explore other solutions in the Central African Republic.
In recent months, the UAE has shifted its equipment through N’Djamena (after having long done so via Am-Djarass in the east to N’Djamena. However, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno has decided, despite some advisors’ hesitations, to reduce cooperation with Abu Dhabi, according to a Chadian security source. Consequently, discussions have started between the UAE and the Central African Republic, which shares a border with Chad and may provide similar logistical support for the RSF, according to a French magazine report. It indicated that the Emiratis are looking to utilize both Bangui airport and Birao airport in the country’s east.