South Sudan has dismissed allegations that a hospital built by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) near the Sudanese border is being used to support the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Foreign Affairs Minister Ramadan Mohamed Abdallah Goc clarified on Tuesday that the facility in Northern Bahr el Ghazal was a humanitarian project gifted by the UAE to enhance bilateral relations.
“This field hospital was provided by the UAE leadership as part of our existing cooperation,” Goc stated. “It was allocated to Northern Bahr el Ghazal due to its urgent medical needs, not for any military purpose.”
He emphasized that South Sudan remains committed to neutrality in Sudan’s conflict, supporting diplomatic efforts for peace rather than taking sides.
The denial follows accusations from Sudan’s Minister of Minerals, Mohamed Bashir Abunommo, who claimed on social media that the UAE was using the hospital to supply the RSF with military equipment. He also alleged that South Sudan was enabling RSF recruitment and facilitating the smuggling of Sudanese gold to the UAE.
The Madhol Field Hospital, located in Aweil East County, was inaugurated on Friday. The 100-bed facility aims to serve millions, including returnees and refugees from Sudan, by providing emergency care and specialized medical services.
UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan reiterated that the project aligns with the country’s humanitarian mission to improve healthcare access in developing regions.
Governor Simon Ober Mawut of Northern Bahr el Ghazal welcomed the initiative, highlighting its significance in addressing growing health challenges amid the influx of displaced persons from Sudan.