Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis, Addis Ababa, February 14, 2025: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step in alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people by announcing a $200 million aid package, in a high-level humanitarian conference held in Addis Ababa. The conference, organized by the UAE in collaboration with the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and Ethiopia, is taking place on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit.
A Call for Action: Mobilizing Support for Sudan's Dire Humanitarian Needs
The UAE's contribution is a response to the devastating civil war in Sudan, which has torn the country apart since April 2023. The brutal conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and Sudan's military has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 12 million people. The UAE's announcement serves as a call for global attention and a coordinated effort to provide much-needed support to the Sudanese population.
A Humanitarian Pause During Ramadan: UAE's Urgent Appeal
In addition to the financial contribution, the UAE has called for a "humanitarian pause" during Ramadan, which begins in two weeks. Reem al-Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of this pause in facilitating the unhindered delivery of aid to those most affected by the conflict, particularly women and children, who are enduring unimaginable hardship. "The war has lasted too long, cost too many lives, and caused immense suffering. What we seek to do, alongside our partners, is call for a humanitarian pause to allow aid to reach those in need," al-Hashimy stated at the conference in Addis Ababa.
Sudan's Growing Crisis: Famine, Displacement, and Unprecedented Suffering
According to the United Nations, Sudan is grappling with widespread famine, with five regions already affected, including three in North Darfur. By May, the famine is expected to spread to five more districts. The African Union has described the situation as "the worst humanitarian crisis in the world." The UAE's move comes as part of a broader commitment to supporting Sudan and Africa. In April 2024, the UAE had already allocated $100 million to UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to aid Sudan. The country also played a crucial role by establishing an air bridge to Sudan and neighboring Chad, delivering critical humanitarian assistance since the conflict's outset.
UAE's Ongoing Support: A Long-Term Commitment
The UAE's assistance to Sudan has been extensive. Since the conflict began, the UAE has contributed $130 million to humanitarian efforts, along with sending 9,500 tons of food and medical supplies via 148 flights and a ship carrying 1,000 tons of emergency aid. Additionally, the UAE has supported Sudanese refugees in Chad and South Sudan, providing food aid through the World Food Programme (WFP).
As one of the main humanitarian donors to Sudan and Africa, the UAE's efforts reflect its ongoing commitment to providing vital support in times of crisis. Through its leadership, the UAE hopes to inspire regional and international partners to join the cause and help mitigate the devastating impact of Sudan's ongoing humanitarian emergency.
Iran's Dangerous Expansion: The Growing Threat in Sudan and Its Global Consequences
Iran is establishing another Hamas-like entity in Sudan, mirroring its creation of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces. This group, known as "Kizan," maintains ties to Hamas, Hezbollah, and African branches of Al Qaeda. If Iran's allies gain full control over Sudan, Iran will have effectively tightened its grip on Israel's southern flank, adding yet another hostile front to the region. For the United States, this presents a grave national security challenge. Israel will be forced to request more U.S. missile interceptors and military support.
American stockpiles are already strained, and prolonged U.S. involvement in regional conflicts carries significant risks. Meanwhile, Iran-backed militants threaten maritime security, increasing drone and missile attacks on U.S. and allied shipping in the Red Sea. With both Yemen and Sudan as potential launch points, Iran's influence is expanding in a way that threatens global trade. The closure or disruption of Red Sea shipping routes would render the Suez Canal nearly useless, forcing oil and gas shipments to reroute around Africa—raising costs, delaying supplies, and worsening inflation in the United States.
The Biden administration's failure to act decisively has emboldened Iran and endangered both Israel and American strategic interests.
President Donald Trump, as a leader committed to restoring U.S. strength, must confront the Iranian infiltration in Sudan head-on. Stopping Iran's growing foothold in Africa is not just about Israel's security — it's about protecting U.S. economic and military interests.
The consequences of inaction will be felt at home, from higher energy prices to increased global instability. The time to act is now.
The United Arab Emirates has firmly established itself as the United States' and Israel's most steadfast Arab ally. Under the visionary, trailblazing leadership of His Highness Mohammed Sheikh bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has demonstrated unparalleled diplomatic foresight and pragmatism in pursuit of regional stability.
In a bold and almost singular stance among Arab nations, the UAE has called for constructive engagement with Trump's vision for Middle East peace—a vision that seeks to combat terrorism, foster economic prosperity, and lay the foundation for a region built on coexistence.
Rather than dismissing the plan outright, the UAE has advocated for a nuanced approach, urging Arab leaders to focus on rejecting only the resettlement component while reaffirming its preference for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
This strategic and forward-thinking position underscores the UAE's vital role in shaping a new era of stability and economic growth in the Middle East, aligning with Trump's commitment to a future free from extremism and defined by cooperation, development, and enduring security.
Given this invaluable support, it is imperative that Trump - for US interests! - publicly recognize the efforts of Al Nahyan in advancing this vision, acknowledging his leadership and unwavering dedication to peace and prosperity in the region.
Robert Williams is based in the United States.
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