Sudan's military leadership has accused Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of supplying drones used to attack Khartoum International Airport [1, 2].
These allegations signal a sharp escalation in regional tensions, as Sudan's internal conflict draws in neighboring states and Gulf powers through accusations of foreign interference.
The drone attacks occurred in early April 2024, forcing Khartoum International Airport to suspend operations for three days [1]. Following these events, Sudan announced the recall of its ambassador to Ethiopia on April 30, 2024 [1, 2].
Sudanese military officials described the strikes as part of a coordinated effort by Ethiopia and the UAE to destabilize the country. An unnamed Sudanese army general said, "What Ethiopia and the UAE have done is a direct aggression against Sudan" [1].
Both accused nations have rejected the claims. A spokesperson for the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry said the allegations are baseless [2]. Similarly, a spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the United Arab Emirates has no involvement in the Sudan conflict [1].
The diplomatic fallout follows a period of heightened instability in Khartoum. The recall of one ambassador [1] marks a significant breakdown in bilateral relations between Sudan and Ethiopia, two nations already grappling with complex border and resource disputes.
The Sudanese military maintains that the provision of these weapons constitutes a breach of sovereignty, an assertion that contradicts the official positions of Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi.
“"What Ethiopia and the UAE have done is a direct aggression against Sudan."”
The accusations reflect the growing internationalization of Sudan's civil war. By linking the UAE and Ethiopia to tactical drone strikes, the Sudanese military is attempting to frame its internal struggle as a defense against foreign aggression. This diplomatic rift complicates future mediation efforts, as regional actors are now openly accused of fueling the conflict through arms procurement.
