Sudan accuses Emirates and Chad of “direct and clear” interference

In the nearly 19-month conflict between Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the regular Army, the RSF has escalated its attacks using newly deployed drones. Sudanese officials claim these “strategic drones” signify “direct and clear” interference by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and neighboring Chad, marking an unprecedented escalation in the war that began on 15 April 2023.
At a December 2 press conference in Port Sudan, the Sudanese Ministry of Defense accused the UAE and Chad of aiding the RSF, alleging their involvement could prolong the conflict and deepen the suffering of the Sudanese people.
For the first time, on November 24, 2024, Czech-made drones—assembled in Abu Dhabi—were reportedly used to strike the Sudanese army. Officials claim these drones were launched from a Chadian airport near the border, targeting military sites in Omdurman. According to a defense official, six missiles were fired, guided by satellite technology, with additional strikes reported in Khartoum and El-Fasher.
Sudan’s Minister of Information and Culture, Khalid Ali Aleisir, labeled the attacks a “direct” assault by Abu Dhabi and N’Djamena on Sudan. Defense Minister Yassin Ibrahim Yassin called it an “enemy act,” asserting Sudan’s right to retaliate “at the appropriate time.” Officials based their claims on missile fragments analyzed after the strikes, suggesting the drones were capable of traveling over 1,000 kilometers.
Both Chad and the UAE have faced prior accusations of involvement in Sudan’s conflict, charges they have consistently denied despite United Nations reports indicating otherwise. The Chadian government has yet to respond to the latest allegations.
This escalation underscores growing regional entanglements in the Sudanese war, with potential repercussions for its duration and intensity.