Connect the Dots: How UAE Fuels Sudan's War
Click each circle to see the evidence
What's Happening in Sudan?
The Crisis in Brief
Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has created:
- World's Worst Humanitarian Crisis: Over 30 million people need humanitarian assistance—more than half of Sudan's population
- Genocide & War Crimes: The US State Department determined in January 2025 that the RSF committed genocide against ethnic minorities in Darfur
- Largest Displacement Crisis: Over 12 million people displaced—8.8 million internally, 3.5 million fled as refugees
- Spreading Famine: Famine declared in multiple regions, with 24 million facing acute food insecurity
- Collapsed Healthcare: Over 70% of hospitals destroyed; cholera outbreak with 120,000+ cases
How Did This Start?
🔍 Evidence: UAE is Fueling This War
The United Arab Emirates has been extensively documented supplying weapons, drones, and financial support to the RSF—despite a UN arms embargo and despite UAE's repeated denials.
Advanced Weapons Supplied by UAE
📺 Media Coverage: The Sudan Blackout
Why coverage matters
Despite over 150,000 deaths and 11 million displaced, Sudan receives minimal mainstream media attention.
Every human life has equal value, and all humanitarian crises deserve attention and action. This analysis is not intended to diminish the suffering in Ukraine, Gaza, or any other conflict. Rather, it aims to highlight the disproportionate lack of media coverage for Sudan's crisis—the world's largest displacement crisis—and to raise awareness so that those affected receive the international support they urgently need. All conflicts mentioned here are equally important and deserve comprehensive humanitarian responses.
💰 Blood Gold: How UAE-Based Networks Enable Conflict Financing
The Numbers
29 tons of gold imported directly from Sudan to UAE in 2024 (up 70% from 2023)
748 tons total from Africa in 2024—UAE is the world's top buyer of African gold
90% of Sudan's legal gold exports go to UAE
$1.6 billion in Sudanese exports to UAE in 2024 (91% was gold)
$13.4 billion estimated total value of smuggled gold
How the Smuggling Works
1. Extraction
RSF controls gold mines in Darfur, especially Jebel Amer mines. Gold is mined by forced labor in conflict zones. RSF produced 10+ tonnes in 2024 (~$860 million).
2. Smuggling Routes
Gold smuggled through Chad, Libya, South Sudan, and Egypt—all serve as "exit points" for RSF gold.
3. Dubai Market
Gold arrives in Dubai and enters global markets via UAE-based refineries and traders.
4. Procurement & Materiel
Profits finance RSF’s operations and procurement. Weapons and materiel flow back via transnational routes through neighbouring countries and UAE-linked intermediaries.
🇺🇸 The US Connection: American Weapons to UAE
The United States has sold billions of dollars in weapons to the UAE—even as evidence mounted that UAE was arming the RSF.
2024: $1.2 Billion Sale
Biden administration approved sale despite evidence UAE was breaking promises not to arm RSF.
May 2025: $1.4 Billion Sale
Trump administration notified Congress of another massive weapons sale to UAE.
Trump Family Ties
UAE invested $2 billion in Trump family crypto venture, creating massive conflicts of interest.
Congressional Efforts to Stop the Sales
- Rep. Sara Jacobs & Sen. Chris Van Hollen: Introduced the "Stand Up for Sudan Act" to prohibit US arms sales to UAE until it stops arming RSF
- Rep. Gregory Meeks (Ranking Member, House Foreign Affairs): Using his position to block major defense sales to UAE. In March 2025, successfully halted US arms sales
- Bipartisan Support: Multiple Democrats and some Republicans have called for ending weapons sales, but UAE's lobbying power remains strong
💝 Donate to Vetted Organizations
These organizations are actively providing life-saving aid in Sudan. All have been verified for transparency and effectiveness.
Sudanese-Led Organizations (Prioritize These)
Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA)
Healthcare, crisis response, climate change impacts. Direct support from Sudanese diaspora doctors.
Donate to SAPA →Sudanese Mutual Aid Coalition
Grassroots Emergency Response Rooms delivering aid by Sudanese, for Sudanese. 95% of every dollar reaches local responders.
Donate to Mutual Aid →Sudan Relief Fund
Food, water, shelter, medical attention. Operating since 1998 in South Sudan and Nuba Mountains.
Donate to Sudan Relief Fund →International Organizations
UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency)
Protection and life-saving support for displaced people. Response plan 65% underfunded.
Donate to UNHCR →International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Sudan tops IRC's 2025 Emergency Watchlist. Scaled operations despite security challenges.
Donate to IRC →UNICEF
2.3M+ people reached with water access. Treating severe malnutrition in children.
Donate to UNICEF →Islamic Relief USA
Reached 1.2 million people with lifesaving aid. Focus on food security and medical supplies.
Donate to Islamic Relief →📞 Contact Your Representatives
Your voice matters. Congress needs to hear from constituents that Sudan cannot be forgotten and that US weapons should not enable genocide.
Key Congressional Champions for Sudan
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51)
Ranking Member, Africa Subcommittee. Lead sponsor of Stand Up for Sudan Act.
Contact Rep. Jacobs →Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Co-sponsor of Stand Up for Sudan Act.
Contact Sen. Van Hollen →Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY)
Ranking Member, House Foreign Affairs. Blocked UAE arms sales in March 2025.
Contact Rep. Meeks →What to Say When You Call
"Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [CITY/ZIP]. I'm calling to urge [Representative/Senator NAME] to:
- Support the Stand Up for Sudan Act to stop US arms sales to the UAE
- Demand accountability for the genocide in Sudan
- Restore humanitarian aid to Sudan
- Pressure the UAE to stop arming the RSF immediately
Sudan is the world's largest humanitarian crisis and the US cannot be complicit in fueling it. Thank you."