Sudanese Ambassador to the UAE: Port Sudan Authority Is Illegitimate and Its Statement on Cutting Ties with the Emirates Is Void

Sudan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Abdulrahman Sharafi, has reaffirmed his position as the official representative of his country in the UAE, rejecting what he described as an “illegitimate” decision by the Port Sudan authority to remove him from office. He dismissed the announcement alleging the severance of diplomatic ties with the UAE as “null and void,” asserting that such claims do not reflect the will of the Sudanese people.

Speaking in an episode of “Mirrors Podcast” produced by Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Ambassador Sharafi condemned the decisions issued by the Port Sudan authority, emphasizing that they lack constitutional legitimacy or public mandate. He stated that the Sudanese embassy and consulate in the UAE are operating normally, and he will continue to carry out his diplomatic duties in the service of Sudan and its people.

Sharafi underlined the deep-rooted and strategic relations between Sudan and the UAE, stating that these bonds have not been affected by misleading campaigns or false allegations aimed at harming the partnership. He stressed that the Sudanese people are fully aware of who genuinely supports them and who seeks to exploit their suffering for narrow political gains.

He praised the UAE for its generous support of the Sudanese people, citing the construction of hospitals, provision of humanitarian aid, and the many facilities extended to the Sudanese community, including residency permits, waived fines, access to healthcare, and education. He described these efforts as a clear embodiment of solidarity and fraternity between the two nations.

Sharafi strongly criticized the Port Sudan authority for dragging Sudan into positions that do not serve its national interests, particularly the claim of cutting diplomatic ties with the UAE. He accused the authority of attempting to hijack Sudan’s decision-making process through force and arms, without any legal or popular legitimacy. He described their actions as a political and military coup cloaked in ideological rhetoric.

He added that the group behind these moves is affiliated with extremist factions, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood, which he said is working to undermine Sudan’s foreign relations—especially with the UAE, which holds a firm stance against extremism and terrorist organizations.

Sharafi revealed that these groups attempted to tarnish the UAE’s reputation using media and international legal forums, but their efforts were unsuccessful. He pointed to the rejection of a complaint filed against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, which resulted in financial losses for Sudan exceeding $50 million—resources that he believes should have gone to internally displaced and needy citizens.

Addressing Sudan’s ongoing political crisis, Sharafi said the country’s progress continues to be hindered by repeated military coups that dismantle any emerging democratic momentum. He highlighted Sudan’s rich natural and human resources, recalling its historical role in educational leadership across Africa and the Arab world, and the significant contribution of Sudanese professionals to the UAE’s development.

He also recalled the strong historical ties between the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and former Sudanese President Jaafar Nimeiri, which laid the foundations for decades of fruitful cooperation between the two nations.

Key Quotes from Ambassador Abdulrahman Sharafi:

• “The Sudanese embassy in the UAE remains fully operational, and I continue to fulfill my diplomatic duties in service of Sudan.”

• “The rejected legal complaint against the UAE resulted in financial losses exceeding $50 million—money that could have helped Sudan’s displaced and vulnerable.”

• “The Port Sudan authority is illegitimate and is attempting to hijack the Sudanese state without public consent.”

• “The UAE maintains a clear and principled stance against terrorism and extremist organizations.”

• “The Sudanese community in the UAE lives in dignity and respect, as if in their second home.”