HRW urges EU sanctions over UAE support for Sudan's RSF amid civilian deaths

Human Rights Watch is calling on the European Union to impose sanctions and suspend military cooperation with the United Arab Emirates over alleged support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan's ongoing conflict. The rights group cites evidence of Colombian private military contractors, allegedly hired by a UAE-based company, transiting through UAE military bases before deployment to support RSF operations.

HRW reports that fifteen drone strikes killed at least 45 civilians in El Obeid and surrounding areas over three weeks in June 2026. The organization also documents Colombian fighters present during RSF's capture of El Fasher in 2025, alleging UAE assistance enables RSF war crimes. Evidence includes UAE providing weapons and ammunition, some European-made, in violation of UN arms embargo on Darfur.

The latest European Parliament Resolution explicitly names UAE participation in fueling Sudan's war, breaking previous diplomatic hesitation to condemn the Gulf state. HRW demands EU sanctions against an Abu Dhabi-based company and its CEO for hiring contractors aiding RSF abuses.

Nigeria maintains significant diplomatic and economic ties with UAE, including trade agreements and investment partnerships worth billions of dollars. Any EU sanctions could indirectly affect these relationships and impact Nigerian businesses operating in the Gulf region.

Will evolving international pressure on UAE reshape diplomatic alignments and affect Nigeria's strategic partnerships in the region?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/11/sudan-crisis-human-rights-watch-demand-action-on-uae-involvement/