Sudan has accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of orchestrating drone strikes on a key Sudanese airport, dramatically escalating diplomatic tensions in a region already convulsed by conflict. Sudan’s foreign minister said both countries had chosen the “wrong path” and would come to regret their actions.
The accusations mark a dangerous new chapter in Sudan’s civil war, which has raged since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The involvement of external actors has long been suspected, but direct accusations at this level threaten to draw in more regional powers.
A Growing Proxy Battlefield
Sudan’s foreign minister issued a strongly worded statement condemning what he described as a coordinated campaign of drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, including airports. The claim that Ethiopia and the UAE are directly involved adds a volatile new dimension to the two-year conflict.
International observers have previously raised concerns about foreign involvement in Sudan’s war, with multiple reports suggesting that regional powers have been backing rival factions. The UAE has faced repeated allegations of arming the RSF, though Abu Dhabi has consistently denied these claims.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The escalation comes as Sudan’s humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes, with famine conditions reported in several regions. Aid organisations have repeatedly warned that the conflict is pushing the country towards catastrophe.
The alleged drone strikes on airport infrastructure also threaten to disrupt already limited humanitarian supply routes, making it even harder for relief agencies to reach civilians trapped in conflict zones.
Regional Implications
The accusations risk destabilising the wider Horn of Africa region, where Ethiopia is already dealing with its own internal challenges. Diplomats are calling for restraint on all sides, warning that further escalation could draw in additional players and complicate peace efforts.
The African Union has called for an immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue. Whether the warring parties — or their alleged external backers — will heed that call remains deeply uncertain.
