UAE’s Gargash: “No military solution” to Sudan war, urges ceasefire and civilian rule

Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, has said the unfolding situation in Syria was down to political failure. Photo: Victor Besa / The National

The UAE sees «no military solution» to Sudan’s spiralling conflict and is pressing for an immediate ceasefire and a transition to civilian rule «fully independent of the warring parties,» senior official Dr Anwar Gargash said on Monday at the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate.

Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, called Sudan «an urgent humanitarian and political crisis,» citing the Rapid Support Forces’ October 26 capture of El Fasher, formerly the army’s last foothold in Darfur, and widespread devastation. He stressed that humanitarian aid must move «unhindered» across the country and be shielded from any military interference, adding that accountability for abuses is essential.

Now in its third year, the war has killed tens of thousands and displaced at least 13mln people. More than 30mln, over half the population, face hunger, with famine declared in El Fasher and parts of Darfur. Fighting erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, and the RSF under General Mohamed Dagalo.

Gargash said the UAE, working with the «Quad» (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United States), is advancing a plan for a permanent ceasefire and a transparent transition to civilian government. He dismissed «disinformation campaigns» alleging Emirati support to the RSF, insisting the UAE’s commitment is to peace and the Sudanese people. On November 6, the RSF said it had agreed to a Quad-backed humanitarian pause.

Outlining the UAE’s broader policy, Gargash said Abu Dhabi’s approach rests on three pillars, strategic autonomy, economic competitiveness and technological ambition, aimed at stability at home and constructive partnerships abroad.

«Only a political path can deliver peace for the future,» he said, adding that the UAE’s priorities are immediate ceasefires, scaled-up aid and a viable political horizon across the region.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, concluding a remarkable year for the 42-year-old leader who toppled Bashar al-Assad and has since worked to reverse Syria’s global isolation.