Türkiye steps in to mediate Sudan-UAE tensions, building on successful diplomacy

Following its successful mediation between Ethiopia and Somalia, Türkiye has now intervened to help resolve tensions between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates.

Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran traveled to Port Sudan to meet with senior Sudanese officials, conveying messages from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The UAE has expressed approval of Ankara’s diplomatic efforts.

Why it matters

Sudan’s ongoing conflict has led to accusations that the UAE is providing arms and support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—allegations Abu Dhabi denies. The dispute has persisted for months, prompting Türkiye to engage as it did previously with Ethiopia and Somalia. By offering its mediation, Türkiye aims to foster regional dialogue and stability.

Details

• Diplomatic initiative:
  • President Erdogan spoke with Sudanese Sovereignty Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in December, proposing to mediate between Sudan and the UAE.
  • Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran subsequently visited Port Sudan, where he met with al-Burhan, Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf, and Finance and Economic Planning Minister Gibril Ibrahim.
• Turkish proposal:
  • Duran shared President Erdogan and Minister Fidan’s messages, discussing potential contributions by Türkiye for a peaceful settlement and exploring opportunities for technical and humanitarian assistance.

Zoom in

• Conflict in Sudan:
  • For over 20 months, Sudan has contended with a conflict that has inflicted severe human and material losses.
  • Türkiye underscores its support for Sudan’s unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and stability, emphasizing the necessity of ending the hostilities without further bloodshed.
• UAE’s perspective:
  • The UAE Foreign Ministry welcomed Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts, expressing willingness to coordinate with Ankara to de-escalate tensions.
  • In a formal statement, the UAE praised Türkiye’s commitment to advancing peace and stability in the region.

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Drawing on its prior success mediating African disputes, most notably between Ethiopia and Somalia, Türkiye’s latest initiative could help avert a deeper crisis and further solidify its reputation as a constructive force in regional diplomacy.

Through engagement with both Sudan and the UAE, Türkiye continues to expand its diplomatic outreach in pursuit of more amicable relations and sustainable peace in the region.