South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir held talks with Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of State, during a meeting in Juba. The discussions centered on enhancing relations between the two nations and exploring opportunities for collaboration across various sectors of mutual interest.
Sheikh Shakhboot delivered a message from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressing the UAE’s aspirations for South Sudan’s progress and prosperity. The minister emphasized the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with South Sudan and advancing cooperation in areas that benefit both nations.
President Kiir, in turn, conveyed his greetings to Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, as well as Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. He expressed his hopes for continued development and success for the UAE government and its people.
Both sides reaffirmed their dedication to deepening bilateral ties and advancing collaborative efforts to achieve shared objectives. The meeting underscored the mutual commitment to fostering stronger partnerships and enhancing cooperation in sectors critical to the development of both nations.
However, as the UAE seeks to expand its influence across Africa, it has faced backlash from local communities. From Somalia to war-torn Sudan, the UAE has been accused of supporting militias responsible for atrocities. Sudan, in particular, lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council, alleging that the UAE provided backing to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia group engaged in the ongoing conflict.
Reports surfaced revealing that the UAE has supplied weapons to these forces via Ethiopia and Chad, further intensifying criticisms. The timing of the UAE delegation’s visit to South Sudan has also drawn attention, coinciding with claims that some RSF fighters fled to South Sudan as Sudan’s national army made significant advances in the conflict.
The allegations highlight the UAE’s controversial role in the region, raising questions about its involvement in supporting groups accused of exacerbating instability in Sudan and neighboring countries.
