A senior UAE diplomat has openly criticized the international community for its collective failure to prevent the 2021 military coup in Sudan, describing it as a ‘critical mistake’ that led to the ongoing civil war. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, made these remarks during the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain. He emphasized that the global community should have taken a firmer stance when the coup occurred, as it has since resulted in widespread ethnic violence and a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced approximately 13 million people. In response, the UAE has pledged an additional $100 million in humanitarian aid, focusing on areas like El Fasher. This aid will be distributed through international organizations such as the Red Crescent and the World Food Programme. Dr. Gargash also reiterated the UAE’s commitment to the Quad statement, which calls for a three-month humanitarian ceasefire and the establishment of a transitional civilian government within nine months. The Quad, comprising the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, was formed in September 2025 to address the Sudan conflict. Dr. Gargash stressed the urgent need for peace and the importance of holding perpetrators of atrocities accountable.
‘Critical mistake’: UAE diplomat says world collectively failed to stop Sudan coup
