Rubio stresses significance of Sudan ceasefire in conversation with UAE counterpart

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of achieving a humanitarian ceasefire in Sudan in a call with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed on Friday, just days after Washington’s top diplomat said action was needed to cut off the flow of weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF, which started in April 2023, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced. The UAE has been accused of arming the RSF, although they deny such allegations. Washington is working to pressure the parties involved and halt the conflict. Rubio hinted at the possibility of designating RSF as a terrorist organization if it helps end the violence. The fall of al-Fashir to the RSF on October 26 solidified its control of Darfur, raising concerns for the safety of displaced individuals.