Sudanese military denies bombing UAE ambassador's residence in Khartoum

The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) has denied claims that it was responsible for the bombing of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador's residence in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, instead blaming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

On Monday, the United Arab Emirates claimed the residential building of its ambassador had been attacked by military aircraft belonging to Sudan, terming the raid 'barbaric and primitive' in a tough-worded statement it had issued.

These “shameful and cowardly acts” are being carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Sudanese army said in a statement, while accusing UAE of 'unfair accusations'.

For years, the Sudan army has been blaming the UAE for allegedly supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Force, a paramilitary wing that is involved in active fights with the military government in Sudan, in a feud spanning 17 months.

U.N. sanctions monitors have described as credible accusations that the UAE had provided military support to the RSF. The RSF is claiming a stake in government, but the formula of integration has been disputed by authorities.

War erupted in April last year between the Sudanese army and the RSF over a transition to free elections. The U.N. says nearly 25 million people – half Sudan’s population – need aid, famine is looming and some 8 million people have fled their homes.

According to the Foreign Ministry of the United Arab Emirates, the attack on its ambassador’s residence had caused extensive damage to the building. UAE did not immediately disclose some of the intended actions against the perpetrators.

The war, which has caused extensive losses, started after former President Omar al-Bashir was removed by the military following a popular uprising. However, the military through the transitional council, has failed to hand over powers to the civilians.

GAROWE ONLINE