A Proxy War Unfolds Between Gulf Powers, Trapping Sudan in the Crossfire
Sudan’s ongoing civil war, now in its second year, has transformed into more than just a power struggle between rival military factions. It’s now a stage for a broader geopolitical clash between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), two Gulf powerhouses pushing their own agendas in Africa. While Sudan’s future hangs in the balance, the regional rivalry between these monarchies shows no signs of easing anytime soon.
The Saudi Factor: A Long-Standing Relationship with Sudan
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Sudan is not new. The kingdom has had close ties with Sudan since the 1950s, a connection that has evolved into a partnership centered on security and regional stability. The leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has been in close contact with Saudi authorities, further solidifying the kingdom’s position in the conflict. In fact, al-Burhan visited Saudi Arabia in March 2025 to discuss ways to deepen the bilateral relationship.
For Saudi Arabia, maintaining influence in Sudan is not just about supporting al-Burhan’s regime; it’s part of a broader strategy to stabilize the region. The Red Sea is vital for Saudi economic interests, serving as a corridor for oil shipments and a potential hub for tourism. Protecting these interests means pushing back against the UAE’s expanding influence in the region. The UAE’s involvement in Sudan, particularly on behalf of the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has only complicated Saudi efforts.
UAE’s Support for the RSF: A Proxy Play in the Horn of Africa
Meanwhile, the UAE has aligned itself with the RSF, a paramilitary group led by General Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo. The UAE’s involvement has focused primarily on arming the RSF through humanitarian operations, with weapons being funneled into Sudan from Chad. What makes this support even more intriguing is the UAE’s financial interest in Sudan’s resources. The RSF controls gold mines in Sudan, and it is believed that the UAE has played a key role in smuggling this gold into its markets.
The UAE’s strategy is rooted in a broader regional approach: using non-state actors like the RSF to gain access to valuable resources and strategic territory. This approach echoes UAE interventions in other regions, like eastern Libya, where it supported Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, and in Somalia, where it has funded various factions in Puntland, Somaliland, and Jubbaland. According to analysts, the UAE has even used Puntland’s Bosaso port as a logistical hub to supply the RSF.
A Fractured Gulf Alliance: Rivalry at the Heart of the Conflict
Once allies in the quest for regional dominance, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have become bitter rivals, and Sudan is paying the price. While both nations have common interests in the Horn of Africa, their methods and priorities have diverged over the years. Saudi Arabia is focused on regional stability and protecting its economic interests, particularly in the Red Sea. The UAE, on the other hand, is more inclined to empower non-state actors and engage in resource-driven strategies.
According to Elfadil Ibrahim, an analyst on Middle Eastern geopolitics, this rivalry has left Sudan trapped in the middle. “Ultimately, Sudan is paying the price for this fractured Gulf relationship,” Ibrahim wrote for Responsible Statecraft. “As long as the rivalry persists, Sudan will remain tragically caught in the crossfire.”
The Global Implications of the Gulf Rivalry in Sudan
The ongoing struggle between Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Sudan has not only impacted the country itself but has also attracted international attention. The two Gulf nations’ actions are reflective of their broader ambitions in Africa, and they’ve garnered the support of various global powers looking to secure influence in the region. For example, Sudan’s strategic position in northeastern Africa makes it a valuable ally for any global player with an interest in the Red Sea and the African continent as a whole.
However, the proxy nature of this war means that outside powers may be reluctant to intervene, fearing further escalation. In the meantime, Sudanese civilians bear the brunt of the conflict. As Saudi Arabia and the UAE use Sudan as a battleground for their regional rivalry, the human cost continues to rise, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced.
The international community has expressed concern over the prolonged fighting, but with both Saudi Arabia and the UAE backing their respective factions, there is little hope for an immediate resolution. Sudan’s future seems uncertain, and the country will likely remain a pawn in the Gulf power struggle for the foreseeable future.
