Earlier this month the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure quietly issued a directive banning “maritime interactions” with Port Sudan – Sudan’s key terminal on the Red Sea – citing the “strategic interest of the UAE.” It called for a “suspension of sailing permits,” and more importantly, a “prohibition on cargo movement.” In effect, the ministry has banned all ports in the country from exporting or importing cargo (including oil) to and from Port Sudan.
The directive, which was seen by MEES, marks an escalation of the UAE’s activities in Sudan, where the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) accuse it of heavily backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary in their conflict (MEES, 13 June). The UAE denies the SAF’s accusations. (CONTINUED - 815 WORDS)
