Sudan Accuses Ethiopia, UAE of Drone Attacks, Escalating Regional Tensions

Key facts

• Sudan claims four drone attacks originated from Ethiopia since early March.
• Sudan alleges the United Arab Emirates supplied the drones used in the attacks.
• Khartoum International Airport operations were suspended for three days after an attack.
• Ethiopia denies the allegations, calling them 'baseless'.
• Egypt condemned the drone strike as a 'flagrant violation' of Sudan's sovereignty.
• The conflict in Sudan has displaced approximately 14 million people.
• Over 150,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the ongoing war.

New Front Opens in Sudan's Protracted Conflict

Sudan has accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of direct involvement in recent drone attacks targeting the nation, a serious escalation that threatens to draw in neighbouring countries. The Sudanese government warned that such aggression would not be met with silence, signalling a potentially wider regional conflagration. Khartoum International Airport, a vital gateway for humanitarian aid and a symbol of returning normalcy, was forced to suspend operations for three days following a recent strike. This renewed assault shatters a period of relative calm that had begun to settle over the capital, where over 1.8 million people have returned in recent months, despite persistent power outages and a lack of basic services. The conflict, which began in April 2023 as a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has already devolved into what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Drones have emerged as a critical weapon in this devastating war, which has claimed an estimated 150,000 lives and displaced 14 million people.

Evidence of Cross-Border Aggression Cited

Sudan's military stated it possesses evidence indicating that four drone attacks have been launched from neighbouring Ethiopia since the beginning of March. These strikes, were carried out using drones allegedly supplied by the UAE. In response to these accusations, Sudan took the decisive step of recalling its ambassador from Ethiopia on Tuesday. This diplomatic manoeuvre underscores the gravity with which Khartoum views Addis Ababa's alleged complicity and the UAE's purported role in arming the aggressors. The government's accusation against Ethiopia marks a dangerous new phase, the Horn of Africa director at the both nations are grappling with immense internal challenges, and the perception of each supporting the other's armed adversaries creates a volatile dynamic.

Ethiopia Denies Role, Cites 'Historic Bond'

Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry vehemently dismissed Sudan's allegations as "baseless." The ministry asserted that it had not publicized the alleged violations of its territorial integrity due to the "historic and enduring bond of friendship" shared between the two nations. Instead, Addis Ababa counter-accused Sudan of exacerbating regional instability by allegedly funding rebels in Ethiopia's Tigray region, specifically the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This counter-allegation suggests a complex web of proxy conflicts and mutual suspicion. A senior official with the TPLF, Amanuel Assefa, denied any connection with Sudanese authorities, suggesting that the Ethiopian government is deflecting blame for its own internal failures onto external actors. The UAE, meanwhile, has remained silent on the accusations but has consistently denied providing support to the RSF, the paramilitary group engaged in a protracted war with the SAF.

Regional Powers Express Alarm Over Escalation

Egypt has strongly condemned the drone strike on Khartoum International Airport, issuing a stark warning about its severe implications for Sudan's stability and the broader region. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry characterized the attack as a "flagrant violation" of Sudan's sovereignty and a direct threat to civilian infrastructure. Cairo expressed deep concern over the increasing frequency of such strikes, which are reportedly originating from outside Sudan. The ministry cautioned that these actions risk expanding the conflict's scope and potentially spilling over into neighbouring countries, further destabilizing an already fraught region. Egypt reaffirmed its unwavering support for Sudan's unity and territorial integrity, condemning any foreign interference in its internal affairs. The nation urged strict adherence to international law and the UN Charter, endorsing initiatives aimed at de-escalating the crisis and calling for peaceful resolutions to restore stability.

A Dangerous Dynamic for Internal Challenges

The accusation against Ethiopia by Sudan introduces a perilous new dimension to a conflict that is already destabilizing the Horn of Africa. Both countries are contending with significant internal strife, and the current climate of mutual suspicion, where each side perceives the other as backing its domestic opponents, is deeply concerning. This dynamic, as described by Alan Boswell, risks exacerbating their own internal challenges. The interconnectedness of these regional tensions and internal conflicts creates a feedback loop that could further entrench instability and prolong suffering. The ongoing war in Sudan, characterized by its devastating humanitarian impact, continues to unfold against this backdrop of escalating regional accusations. The resumption of flights at Khartoum International Airport, a symbol of hope, has now been overshadowed by the renewed threat of cross-border attacks.

The bottom line

• Sudan has formally accused Ethiopia of launching drone attacks, alleging UAE complicity.
• The diplomatic fallout includes Sudan recalling its ambassador from Ethiopia.
• Ethiopia denies the accusations, counter-suing Sudan over alleged support for Tigray rebels.
• Egypt has condemned the attacks, warning of regional instability and a violation of sovereignty.
• The drone strikes threaten to widen the conflict beyond Sudan's borders.
• The war in Sudan has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and 14 million displaced persons.