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    Sudan Recalls Envoy Accusing Ethiopia UAE of Drone Attacks

    Khartoum cites 'direct aggression' as regional tensions rise, impacting airport operations and continental trade initiatives.

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    Sudan has recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia for urgent consultations. The Sudanese government formally accused Ethiopia of launching drone attacks targeting critical infrastructure. These strikes included an assault on Khartoum International Airport. Sudanese officials also stated the attacks received technical and material support from the United Arab Emirates. They described this action as "direct aggression" against Sudan. This move significantly heightens regional tensions. Sudan’s ongoing civil war is increasingly involving its neighbouring countries. Sudanese military officials claim they possess "conclusive evidence." This evidence links recent aerial assaults to Ethiopian airbases. Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Asim Awad Abdelwahab relayed this information. He said the government analyzed data from an intercepted drone. This drone was taken down on March 17. The analysis revealed it originated from the UAE. It also took off from Ethiopian territory. Sudan alleges that drones hitting the capital on Monday launched from Ethiopia’s Bahir Dar Airport. "What Ethiopia and the UAE have done is direct aggression against Sudan and won’t be met with silence," Abdelwahab stated. He added that the armed forces "will respond twice as hard." This response aims to preserve the nation's dignity and security. The conflict is now the fourth year old in 2026. The African Union (AU) is working to start high-level mediation. This effort aims to prevent the conflict from becoming a full-scale interstate war. Leaders in Ghana have expressed concern. They worry that the conflict spreading regionally undermines the "Silencing the Guns" initiative. Ghana’s diplomatic representatives highlighted this. They emphasized that secure aviation hubs are vital for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The AU called for a swift "humanitarian truce." This truce is needed to address a severe crisis. Over 150,000 people have already died. Around 12 million people have fled their homes. These numbers underscore the immense human cost. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly denied these accusations. They called the claims "baseless accusations." Ethiopia maintains a "historic and enduring bond of friendship" with Sudan. However, Ethiopia countered by accusing Sudan’s army of supporting "mercenaries." These mercenaries are allegedly from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). An Ethiopian statement suggested these "hostile actions" were at the behest of "external patrons." These patrons supposedly seek to advance their own "nefarious agenda." The alleged role of the UAE in supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is a growing concern. Sudanese officials previously reported tracking a drone. They identified it as "Emirati property" before shooting it down. Sudan claims the UAE supplies drones and finances RSF training camps. Reports mention upgraded facilities at Asosa airport. However, UAE officials deny any military involvement. A UAE official dismissed the claims as "unfounded accusations and deliberate propaganda." They called it a "calculated pattern of deflection." This deflection aims to shift blame and evade responsibility. These strikes have ended a period of relative calm in Khartoum. This calm followed the RSF being pushed out last year. Monday's attack caused minor damage to an administrative building. Witnesses reported hearing blasts and seeing smoke. Sudan’s information minister told Reuters that no one was wounded. However, the authorities suspended operations for 72 hours. Previous drone strikes in Omdurman and Al Jazirah resulted in casualties. The Norwegian Refugee Council reported over 700 deaths from drone strikes across Sudan this year. The diplomatic rift may turn a domestic power struggle into a broader regional war. This could involve the entire Horn of Africa. Analysts warn that external backers and historical disputes could destabilize the continent. Sudan’s government remains resolute. Foreign Minister Salem stated Khartoum is ready for an "open confrontation" with Ethiopia if sovereignty violations continue.

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