Sudanese authorities have appealed to Nigeria and other African nations to help end the ongoing conflict in Sudan, warning that the war could spill across the continent if not urgently contained.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Sudan’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Ambassador Ahmed Omer Taboul, described the war as a proxy conflict driven by foreign interests seeking control over Sudan’s vast natural resources.
“This war is not between two generals or ethnic groups; it is a proxy war for Sudan’s resources,” Taboul said, accusing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of funding the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a bid to exploit the country’s gold and mineral wealth.
He urged the international community to mount pressure on the UAE to halt its alleged support for the RSF, insisting that such action would end the war “in no time.”
“The main pressure the international community can apply is to stop the support from the UAE. If they stop them, the war will stop immediately,” he said, warning that the crisis could destabilize peace and security across Africa.
Taboul cautioned that the conflict could extend beyond Sudan’s borders, affecting countries across the Sahel and West Africa, including Nigeria.
The envoy also appealed for Nigeria’s diplomatic backing at the United Nations Security Council, ahead of an upcoming meeting on Sudan. “We need the support of our brothers like Nigeria in international organisations such as the UN and the AU,” he stated.
He further condemned the failure to enforce past UN resolutions, accusing the RSF of atrocities including the killing of thousands of civilians in Al-Fashir.
While affirming that Sudan does not seek foreign troops, Taboul said the country needs solidarity and understanding from its African allies.
“We are fighting our own war with our National Defence Army and our people. What we need from our brothers is support, not intervention,” he said.
The envoy also defended Sudan’s recent decision to expel two UN officials, alleging they had submitted false reports about the conflict. “We still maintain good relations with UN agencies, but we cannot allow people to spread falsehood about our country,” he added.
