Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit the United Arab Emirates next week, amid scrutiny on the alleged ties of both countries to atrocities in Sudan. The UAE is reportedly backing the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF) in Sudan’s civil conflict, while Canada faces questions over Canadian-made armored vehicles present in the same conflict. The RSF has been involved in brutal massacres and mass rapes in Sudan recently, raising concerns about Ottawa’s relationship with the UAE.
Despite these controversies, Canada’s interest in the Gulf nation is evident, given its significant diplomatic and commercial achievements in the 2020s. The UAE has garnered approval for acquiring advanced chip technology, highlighting its economic prowess. The UAE’s substantial investment funds and existing investments in Canada further underscore the appeal of the Canadian market for Emirati investors.
National Revenue and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, accompanying Carney on the trip, emphasized the strong bilateral ties between the UAE and Canada. The relationship has evolved positively over the years, resolving disputes and culminating in agreements to enhance trade, investment, and defense cooperation between the two nations.
However, the UAE’s reputation has been tarnished by allegations of funding atrocities in Sudan, which the country vehemently denies. Critics point to suspicious flights between the UAE and Sudan, hinting at ongoing movements of resources and arms. Experts suggest that the UAE’s involvement in Sudan’s civil war is driven by its strategic interests in accessing resources, particularly minerals and the crucial Port Sudan.
Recent reports have revealed the presence of Canadian-made armored vehicles in Sudan, allegedly linked to the UAE-based Streit Group. Concerns have been raised about Canada’s arms exports to the UAE potentially ending up in the hands of groups perpetrating violence in Sudan. Calls for a more effective arms embargo on Sudan and stricter controls on arms exports to the UAE have surfaced.
Despite the mounting pressure, both Global Affairs Canada and the UAE authorities have remained silent on the issue. The UAE’s diplomatic influence, backed by its wealth and strategic alliances, has shielded it from accountability in the international arena. The lack of decisive action from major Western powers has allowed the UAE to evade scrutiny over its alleged support for the RSF in Sudan.
The complexities surrounding the UAE’s role in Sudan and the global response highlight the challenges in addressing such sensitive geopolitical issues. The UAE’s diplomatic maneuvers and alliances have positioned it as a key player in the region, impacting its accountability for actions in conflict zones like Sudan.