The Sudanese army’s attempt to smuggle weapons through the UAE raises questions about the true motive behind such a move.
Is it linked to the accusations Sudanese Army Leaders have made against the UAE?
Illegal Weapon Smuggling Operations by the Sudanese Army
On Wednesday, the UAE revealed the existence of a cell smuggling weapons and military equipment to the Sudanese army.
This revelation puts Sudanese Military Leaders in a difficult position.
As it contradicts their repeated claims accusing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of receiving weapons from the UAE.
It has now become evident that the Sudanese army continues its war efforts by organizing illegal weapons smuggling operations.
While simultaneously shifting blame onto its rivals.
Military experts suggest the objective may have been to manipulate the narrative by using smuggled weapons to implicate the UAE.
Did the Sudanese Army Leaders Manipulate the Narrative for Real?
According to this theory, once the weapons pass through an Emirati airport, the Sudanese army would seize them and falsely claim the shipment was intended for the RSF, even providing fabricated technical details such as serial numbers and export origins to make the story appear credible.
Experts are also questioning whether previous accusations followed a similar scenario.
Using the same smuggling network and tactics to fabricate evidence for submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Abdelwahid Ibrahim: “The coming days will reveal further details after the case is referred to the UAE judiciary.”
Adding weight to the conspiracy theory is the UN Security Council experts’ report.
This report found no evidence to support the Sudanese army’s allegations that the UAE was supplying weapons or supporting any side in the conflict.
The report concluded the UAE was not involved in the Sudanese conflict.
It also hasn’t facilitated weapons transfers to the RSF—nullifying the SAF’s claims as baseless attempts to shift blame for the devastation away from themselves.
Rising Tensions Between Khartoum and Abu Dhabi
Observers argue that the UAE’s legal action is significant, supported by strong evidence.
Besides targeting specific individuals within or close to Sudanese military leaders.
The timing of the disclosure adds further weight, given the rising tensions between Khartoum and Abu Dhabi.
As well as the Sudanese military’s political exploitation of false narratives against a country that has provided unmatched humanitarian aid to Sudan over the past two years.
If the UAE judiciary issues convictions against current or former Sudanese military leaders and their affiliates, it could severely damage the military’s credibility on the global stage and raise international doubts.
Even among friendly nations—about the army’s conduct, especially given its history of shifting alliances.
What is the Motive Behind the Smuggling Operation?
Sudanese political analyst Abdelwahid Ibrahim suggested that the motive behind the smuggling operation may have been financial gain.
With millions of dollars potentially at stake.
The charges reportedly involve specific companies, and further details are expected soon as the case progresses through the UAE legal system.
Smuggled weapons allegedly used to stage a false narrative.
And the army would seize them and falsely claim they were sent to the RSF.
UAE Attorney General Hamad Al Shamsi stated in an official release (via WAM):
“The UAE security forces thwarted an attempt to smuggle military equipment to the Sudanese army.
The suspects were engaged in unauthorized arms brokerage and trafficking without proper licenses.”
Who are the Sudanese Army Leaders Involved in Weapons Smuggling Operation?
Authorities caught the suspects while inspecting a private aircraft carrying approximately 5 million rounds of 7.62×54mm ammunition (Giranov type).
Along with part of the payment found in the rooms of two suspects at a hotel.
Al Shamsi confirmed the investigation revealed direct involvement between the cell members and Sudanese army leaders, including:
- Former Sudanese intelligence chief Salah Gosh,
- A former intelligence officer,
- A former finance ministry adviser,
- A political figure close to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (SAF commander),
- And Yasser al-Atta, deputy chief of staff of the Sudanese Armed Forces, along with several Sudanese businessmen.
Companies Supplying Sudanese Army with Weapons
The UAE stated the seized shipment arrived via a private aircraft from a foreign country.
It stopped in the UAE for refueling, officially declaring it was carrying medical equipment.
The weapons were discovered during inspection.
Authorities also uncovered several companies owned by a Sudanese-born businessman with Ukrainian citizenship.
Including one operating within the UAE.
These companies supplied the Sudanese army with weapons, ammunition, bombs, and drones.
This was in coordination with the smuggling cell and the SAF’s financial officer.
One of the firms is on the U.S. sanctions list.
Who is Salah Gosh and what is his Role in the Weapons Smuggling Operation ?
Salah Gosh is a former Sudanese intelligence chief.
Born in 1957 in Nuri, Sudan, Gosh rose through the ranks to become the director of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).
He was known for his involvement in Sudan’s intelligence services since the 1980s.
He also had connections with the Muslim Brotherhood during his university years.
Gosh was also known for his close ties with the CIA during the 2000s, collaborating on counterterrorism efforts.
According to the UAE investigation, the weapons deals were approved by the Sudanese military procurement committee, led by General al-Burhan and his deputy al-Atta, with direct authorization given to the smuggling cell.
The arms transactions were facilitated by Ahmed Rabie Ahmed El-Sayed, a political figure close to al-Burhan.
The seized arms deals included Kalashnikov rifles, ammunition, machine guns, and grenades worth millions of dollars.
The investigation also confirmed Salah Gosh’s role in managing the illicit arms trade inside the UAE.
The smugglers reportedly earned $2.6 million in profit from the difference between the actual and declared value of two arms deals.
Rapid Response to Sudan Humanitarian Crisis
The UAE was among the first nations to respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan.
Under the direction of its wise leadership, the UAE delivered massive humanitarian assistance.
Including food aid, medical supplies, and emergency relief—to both displaced populations and vulnerable communities across Sudan.
Since the outbreak of conflict, the UAE has contributed $600.4 million in aid:
- $200 million pledged during the Addis Ababa conference
- $400 million in support during the 22-month conflict
This substantial financial commitment demonstrates the UAE’s firm resolve to alleviate the Sudanese humanitarian crisis and support long-term recovery.
UAE’s Partnership with UN Agencies and Relief Organizations
The UAE has dedicated 70% of its $100 million pledge (announced during the International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan) to key UN organizations, including:
- OCHA (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)
- WFP (World Food Programme)
- UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency)
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
- WHO (World Health Organization)
the UAE has also established a humanitarian air bridge with Sudan and neighboring Chad.
It has shipped thousands of tons of food, medical, and emergency supplies via dozens of flights.
Despite political attacks, the UAE remains committed to its humanitarian mission in Sudan.
Deep-rooted ties between the UAE and Sudanese people will not be shaken by the attitudes of Sudanese Army Leaders.
The UAE continues to believe in a peaceful future for Sudan, driven by diplomatic efforts and development partnerships.
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