United Nations Security Council
STUDY GUIDE
Agenda
Sudan UAE Conflict and the Emerging Risk of a Wider War
Introduction:
Tensions between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates have intensified
and now pose a growing diplomatic and security challenge. What began as
accusations of foreign interference inside Sudan’s civil war has evolved into
a regional flashpoint involving the Red Sea the Gulf states and the Horn of
Africa. Even one miscalculation could escalate the conflict beyond Sudan’s
borders. Silence is risky and caution alone is insufficient for the UNSC.
Background of the Sudan Conflict:
Sudan is locked in a destructive war between the Sudanese Armed Forces
and the Rapid Support Forces.
SAF considers itself the legitimate guardian of state institutions.
RSF evolved from a militia into a powerful force through regional alliances
and gold networks.
Both parties face accusations of war crimes ethnic violence and the
destruction of civilian life.
Sudan’s collapse has created an opening for foreign involvement placing
the UAE at the center of controversy.
Allegations of UAE Involvement and Possible Motivations:
Sudan’s military leadership accuses the UAE of providing weapons funding
and logistics to the RSF.
The UAE denies this and presents its role as humanitarian.
Possible motivations include
Control over Red Sea trade routes
Influence in the Horn of Africa
Rivalries within the Gulf
Economic interests linked to Sudan’s mineral resources
Even unproven allegations can raise tensions during active conflict.
Global Security Implications:
This conflict impacts more than Sudan alone.
Maritime security across the Red Sea
Power rivalries in East Africa and the Gulf
Risks of mass displacement and famine
Potential for foreign backed proxy warfare
Escalation could drag in Egypt Ethiopia Saudi Arabia or great powers
creating rapid regional destabilization.
Humanitarian and Legal Concerns:
Key issues for UNSC deliberation
Attacks on civilians
Violations of arms embargoes
Starvation as a tactic of conflict
Obstructed humanitarian access
Collapse of governance
Sudan is among the world’s worst humanitarian crises with millions
displaced.
Past UN Engagement in Sudan:
UNAMID
AU UN mission in Darfur that reduced violence but faced access
restrictions.
Lesson
Peacekeepers must have strong mandates and cooperation.
UNITAMS
Designed to guide Sudan’s transition but collapsed once war erupted.
Lesson
Transitions fail without stable institutions.
Arms Embargo on Darfur
Intended to stop weapon flows but poorly enforced.
Sanctions
Targeted individuals but faced non compliance.
Humanitarian Access Resolutions
Often ignored by armed groups.
AU and UN Diplomatic Efforts
Negotiations repeatedly collapsed due to lack of enforcement.
Stakeholder Positions
Sudan SAF
Seeks recognition condemnation of UAE and enforcement of embargoes.
UAE
Denies allegations and emphasizes humanitarian aims.
Egypt
Supports SAF and fears RSF influence.
Saudi Arabia and the United States
Favor negotiations and Red Sea stability.
Russia and China
Promote non interference avoid blame and focus on strategic interests.
African Union and IGAD
Call for dialogue and support Sudanese sovereignty but lack strong
leverage.
Bloc Dynamics for MUN Strategy:
Western Bloc
Opposes foreign arms flow
Supports sanctions investigations and monitoring
Prioritizes human rights
Gulf Bloc
Internally divided
UAE defensive
Saudi cautious
Qatar opportunistic
African Bloc
Prefers mediation
Avoids heavy sanctions
Pushes for AU involvement
BRICS and Authoritarian Bloc
Pushes non interference
Avoids naming and blaming
Supports African led solutions
Resolution Writing Guidance:
Possible clauses
Independent inquiry on foreign weapons
Monitoring mission inside Sudan
Ceasefire enforcement mechanism
Targeted sanctions on individuals
Maritime security cooperation in the Red Sea
Humanitarian flight corridors
Strengthening or re establishing UNITAMS
Positions of the Permanent Members:
United States
Concerned about Russian influence
Supports humanitarian access and ceasefire monitoring
Likely to condemn foreign arming of RSF
United Kingdom
Aligns with the US
Supports humanitarian corridors and sanctions
France
Protective of Sahel stability
Skeptical of UAE weapon flows
Russia
Historically aligned with RSF networks
Seeks Red Sea naval access
Likely to block resolutions targeting UAE or RSF
China
Prioritizes non interference
Avoids blame
Focuses on protecting investments and stability
Key Terms:
Proxy Conflict
When foreign states support local factions to gain influence.
Arms Embargo
UN restriction on supplying weapons to a conflict zone.
Foreign Interference
External involvement that impacts domestic affairs.
Humanitarian Corridor
Protected route for aid and civilians.
Chapter Seven Action
UNSC authority to impose sanctions or authorize force.
Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism
System to verify compliance with a truce.
Non State Armed Group
Armed actors not part of a government such as the RSF.
Key Decisions for the UNSC:
How to address allegations against the UAE
Whether to expand or strengthen the arms embargo
Feasibility of deploying monitors or investigators
How to enforce humanitarian access
Mechanisms to bring SAF and RSF to negotiation
Preventing regional escalation
Research Questions:
What evidence exists of foreign support to Sudanese factions
What influence do Gulf states hold in the Horn of Africa
Can monitors or peacekeepers operate in Sudan’s current conditions
How would instability in the Red Sea affect global trade
What incentives might bring SAF and RSF to negotiations
Conclusion:
The Sudan UAE confrontation signals a dangerous convergence of state
collapse foreign rivalries humanitarian disaster and regional instability.
Decisions made by the UNSC will shape whether this crisis remains
contained or expands into a wider conflict. Every statement vote and
negotiation carries heightened consequences.