UAE sentences eight people to life over arms supplies to Sudan’s army

What the report says

A court in the United Arab Emirates has sentenced eight people to life in prison over what state media described as an arms-trafficking and money-laundering case tied to Sudan’s army. According to the UAE state news agency WAM, the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal found the defendants had been part of an organised scheme to move weapons, ammunition and military equipment, while also using companies and bank accounts in the UAE to hide the source and destination of funds.

WAM said the court ordered the seizure of ammunition and communications equipment connected to the case. It also said the convicted individuals will be deported after completing their sentences. The court reportedly said the activities harmed UAE interests.

The case comes amid a sharp deterioration in relations between Abu Dhabi and Khartoum, with Sudan’s military accusing the UAE of backing its battlefield rival, the Rapid Support Forces, in Sudan’s civil war. The UAE has denied that allegation. The war, which began in April 2023, has caused mass displacement and worsening hunger conditions across Sudan.

Al Jazeera’s report also placed the verdict alongside a broader escalation in the conflict, including recent deadly drone attacks in Darfur and earlier UN allegations of RSF abuses in North Darfur. Those conflict developments were described as background to the diplomatic tensions, rather than part of the UAE court case itself.