分类： politics

A recent investigation by Middle East Eye has uncovered that several social media accounts associated with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) appear to be operating from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The discovery comes as X, formerly known as Twitter, introduced a new feature allowing users to identify the location and region from which accounts connect to the platform. This feature revealed that numerous accounts linked to the RSF and its affiliated institutions, including the interior ministry of the Government of Peace and Unity—a parallel administration backed by the RSF—are based in the UAE. Notably, Gony Mustafa Abubakr Sharif, the RSF’s representative at the United Nations, also operates his account from the Emirates. Additionally, accounts for the foreign affairs ministry and the prime minister’s office of the parallel government are connected from ‘West Asia,’ a region encompassing the Middle East but excluding Sudan. While some users claim these accounts previously displayed UAE as their location before switching to ‘West Asia,’ this remains unverified. The investigation also highlighted that Faris El-Nur, an RSF adviser, and Ibrahim El-Mirghani, a Sudanese politician supporting the RSF, operate their accounts from the UAE, despite listing their locations as the UK and Sudan, respectively. The UAE’s involvement extends beyond social media, with reports indicating the country has been supplying the RSF with weapons through a complex network spanning Libya, Chad, Uganda, and Somalia. US intelligence agencies have also noted an increase in UAE’s provision of Chinese drones and other weapon systems to the RSF. Despite these allegations, the UAE denies any involvement in supporting the RSF. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has seen both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces accused of widespread atrocities, including war crimes and genocide in Darfur.

In a significant diplomatic development, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced on Monday that Canada and India are set to expedite negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement. This move comes after two years of strained relations, marked by allegations of Indian involvement in the assassination of a Canadian Sikh activist in June 2023. The decision to revive trade talks was solidified during a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recent Group of 20 summit in South Africa. Anand emphasized the urgency of the process, stating, ‘The leaders were adamant that this work proceed as quickly as possible.’ Carney is scheduled to visit India early next year to further discussions. Canada, one of the world’s most trade-dependent nations, is also seeking to diversify its trade partnerships, with a goal to double non-U.S. trade over the next decade. Anand highlighted the broader context of Canada’s new foreign policy, which responds to the increasingly protectionist global economic environment. The renewed focus on India aligns with Canada’s strategy to strengthen ties with key global players, including China, with whom Carney has also taken steps to mend relations. Despite past tensions, both Canada and India are optimistic about doubling bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Anand also expressed Canada’s readiness to resume trade talks with the United States, acknowledging the shifting dynamics in international trade relationships.

The escalating tension between Philippine President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and his sister, Senator Imee Marcos, has taken a dramatic turn following public accusations of drug use within the First Family. Senator Imee’s claims have sparked widespread concern, prompting President Marcos to address the matter publicly. Speaking to the press on November 24, 2025, Marcos expressed his disbelief, stating that the person making the accusations on television was not the sister he knew. He emphasized that this sentiment was shared by their family and friends, adding that they were deeply worried about her well-being. The president also highlighted his discomfort with discussing family matters publicly, a stance echoed by his son, House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, who criticized his aunt’s actions as unbecoming of a true sibling. Senator Imee swiftly responded on social media, challenging the First Family to undergo a hair follicle drug test in exchange for her taking a DNA test to confirm her parentage. Malacañang has firmly denied the allegations, citing President Marcos’s clean drug test records and confirmation from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency that he is not on any drug watchlist. This public feud underscores the deepening rift within the Marcos family, raising questions about its impact on Philippine politics.

As Turkey’s Yeni Safak newspaper marked its 30th anniversary last year, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lauded its role in defending Turkish democracy. Founded in 1994 as a voice for pious right-wing voters, Yeni Safak initially served as a haven for liberal voices marginalized by the military in the late 1990s. However, its relationship with Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) has been complex, with the newspaper often aligning closely with the government. Recently, Yeni Safak’s editorial stance has shifted, drawing attention for its critical coverage of specific government policies, particularly those related to economic management and judicial reforms. The newspaper has been vocal in its opposition to high interest rates, a stance that has put it at odds with Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek. Yeni Safak’s recent headlines have directly challenged Simsek’s policies, claiming they have led to economic stagnation and low industrial output. The newspaper’s criticism extends to judicial reforms, with front-page articles warning of threats to private property rights. This shift has sparked speculation about internal divisions within the AKP, particularly regarding the handling of Kurdish peace talks. Yeni Safak’s stance on these issues has led to tensions within the ruling coalition, with some suggesting the newspaper has become an unofficial opposition voice. Despite this, Yeni Safak maintains its alignment with Erdogan on broader national issues, highlighting the nuanced dynamics of media-government relations in Turkey.

The simmering tensions between Algeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have resurfaced following pointed remarks by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. In a recent address to the nation’s top military leaders, Tebboune criticized an unnamed Gulf state for meddling in Algeria’s internal affairs, a thinly veiled reference to the UAE. This latest flare-up underscores the deepening rift between the two nations, rooted in regional rivalries, geopolitical strategies, and ideological differences.

The British government has come under scrutiny for approving weapons exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) despite evidence suggesting that UK-manufactured military equipment was diverted to Sudanese paramilitaries accused of genocide. Reports from last month revealed that British-made small-arms target systems and armored vehicle engines were found in the hands of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia group implicated in widespread atrocities in Sudan. Middle East Eye (MEE) had previously exposed the UAE’s extensive logistical and military support to the RSF. In March, the UN Security Council, of which the UK is a member, received allegations that the UAE supplied British-made arms to the RSF. Despite this, the UK continued to authorize military exports to the UAE. Official data released last week shows that Britain licensed £172 million ($225 million) in military equipment exports to the UAE between April and June 2024, including £1.9 million in military vehicles and components. Emily Apple of the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) condemned the exports, stating that the UK government is prioritizing arms dealers’ profits over accountability, despite clear evidence of war crimes in Gaza and Sudan. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) compiled dossiers presented to the UN Security Council, containing images of British-made small-arms target devices recovered from RSF sites in Khartoum and Omdurman. These devices were reportedly manufactured by Militec, a Welsh-based company that has received numerous export licenses since 2013. Political parties and MPs across the UK have called for a suspension of arms sales to the UAE, citing international legal obligations. The RSF’s recent seizure of el-Fasher in Darfur has further highlighted the group’s brutal tactics, with reports of widespread civilian killings, sexual violence, and expulsions. The conflict in Sudan, which began in 2023, has seen the RSF accused of war crimes and genocide by international bodies and human rights groups.