Several hundred people have held a demonstration outside the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Brussels. They were protesting against what they see as the UAE’s complicity in the violence committed by the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The protesters say that the United Arab Emirates supports RSF due to economic interests.
The Sudanese government says that the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces is supported by Dubai. The United Arab Emirates strongly deny this. However, several international reports on the situation in Sudan state that the UAE has exported modern drones, heavy duty machine guns, artillery, mortars and munitions to paramilitaries in Sudan. They have done so in exchange for Sudanese gold that is found in the south of the country in areas controlled by RSF.
The organisers of the demonstration say that around 600 people took part. They are demanding an economic boycott against the United Arab Emirates.
One demonstrator told journalists that "The UAE is compliant in the genocide that is taking place in Sudan”. The demonstrator wished to remain anonymous due to fears for the safety of his family that is currently still in living in Sudan.
Belgian weapons
The protesters also denounced what they describe as the “hypocritical attitude” of Belgium and the European Union. According to the protesters, Belgian weapons are being supplied to RSF via the United Arab Emirates. They want Belgium and Europe to issue a clear condemnation of the violence.
"The EU must impose a total embargo on the United Arab Emirates and South Sudan” the anonymous activist and organiser of the demonstration said. “The export of all services and goods to the United Arab Emirates and Sudan must be stopped.”
The demonstrators add that the European Union must behave as a responsible player and not perpetuate “this proxy war”. The EU must “Take a stand and take responsibility. Belgium must stop all arms deliveries to countries that supply RSF.”