UAE steps up diplomatic push as EU backs mediation, urging an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted aid access and a civilian-led transition to end Sudan’s devastating civil war….reports Asian Lite News
The United Arab Emirates has issued a forceful call for unified global action to halt Sudan’s devastating civil war, welcoming a new European Parliament resolution that backs ongoing mediation efforts and endorses a roadmap towards civilian rule. The statement, delivered by Lana Nusseibeh, Minister of State and Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the European Union, underscores the UAE’s growing diplomatic engagement as the conflict nears its third year with no sign of abating.
Nusseibeh described the European Parliament’s stance as both “timely” and essential, stressing that only a coordinated regional and international effort — particularly through the mediation work of the Quad — can stop the atrocities unfolding across Sudan. She said the time for decisive action had arrived.
EU endorsement of Quad hailed
In her remarks, Nusseibeh highlighted the significance of the European Parliament’s explicit backing of the Quad as “the mediation format” for the Sudan crisis. According to her, the Quad Joint Statement marks “a historic step” towards ending the war, laying out a realistic pathway that begins with a humanitarian truce and leads to a transition to an independent civilian government. Crucially, she noted, the roadmap rejects any role for extremist factions linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, which she said cannot be allowed to shape Sudan’s future.
“Only an independent civilian-led government will be capable of reforming Sudan’s institutions and freeing the country from extremism,” she said, reiterating the UAE’s belief that neither of the warring parties – the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) nor the Port Sudan Authority – can steer the country out of conflict.
‘Violations by both sides must end’
Nusseibeh delivered an unequivocal condemnation of abuses committed by both factions, describing them as grave violations that have inflicted immense suffering and compromised Sudan’s stability for generations to come. An immediate halt to hostilities, she said, is essential if humanitarian agencies are to access communities that have been cut off from aid for months.
The UAE, she stressed, remains committed to a humanitarian-first approach, pushing for unconditional and unhindered access through all possible routes. She also pointed to data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which shows the UAE has provided USD 784 million in assistance since the conflict began, making it the second-largest donor after the United States, and the top donor for 2025.
Gargash: ‘Sudan was pushed to abyss’
Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, reinforced the urgency of the moment in comments on his official X account. He argued that Sudan’s descent into crisis began when both warring sides jointly toppled the civilian government, plunging the country into chaos.
He warned that Sudan’s unity — already under severe strain — faces further destabilisation should Muslim Brotherhood-linked groups gain influence. Echoing Nusseibeh’s message, he said the path forward required a ceasefire, accountability for atrocities on both sides, unrestricted humanitarian access and a transition to a credible, fully independent civilian authority.
Geneva talks focus on access, accountability
As diplomatic momentum builds, Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, met Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator at OCHA, in Geneva to discuss the next phase of international mediation. Both parties stressed the importance of ongoing US-led efforts as well as the Quad’s push for a ceasefire.
Their discussions centred on the urgent need for safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access across Sudan — a challenge made more difficult by shifting frontlines, insecurity and heavy restrictions imposed by both sides. They also reviewed the importance of protecting civilians, upholding international humanitarian law and securing increased funding for relief operations as needs continue to rise.
‘Every effort must be made to end war’
Adding diplomatic weight to the UAE’s position, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met Massad Boulos, Advisor to the US President for African and Arab Affairs, in Abu Dhabi to review the intensifying crisis. The meeting covered regional dynamics and ways to strengthen international coordination to protect civilian lives and ensure the flow of aid.
Sheikh Abdullah praised the efforts of US President Donald Trump to restore stability in Sudan, describing American engagement as vital. He reaffirmed the UAE’s backing for any initiative that delivers an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, while reiterating the UAE’s belief that Sudan’s long-term stability depends on a political process led by civilians rather than military actors.
The two sides also discussed broader issues in the UAE–US strategic partnership. The meeting was attended by Reem Al Hashimy and Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan.
