The Decibel Canada courts UAE amid calls to stop its arming of Sudan militia
Nov 20, 2025
Jeff York, the Africa Bureau Chief at The Globe and Mail, shares his insights on the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the UAE's controversial role in supplying arms. He discusses the staggering human toll, with millions displaced and the atrocities committed by the RSF. York unveils evidence linking the UAE to the RSF, highlighting geopolitical motives involving Sudanese gold. Despite calls for accountability, foreign leaders remain hesitant to confront the UAE. The conversation delves into the dire humanitarian crisis and the bleak prospects for peace in the region.
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Scale Of Sudan's Hidden Death Toll
- Jeff York estimates Sudan's war has likely killed hundreds of thousands, exceeding death tolls in Ukraine or Gaza despite far less coverage.
- He highlights the absence of reliable death counts and localized studies showing massive city-level losses.
Largest Displacement Crisis
- UN agencies report over 12 million people displaced by the conflict, making it the world's largest displacement crisis.
- About 4 million fled abroad and 8–9 million are internally displaced within Sudan.
RSF's Roots And Genocide Allegations
- The war pits the Sudanese army against the RSF, which evolved from the Janjaweed militia accused of Darfur genocide.
- The RSF is again accused of genocidal attacks against non-Arab minorities in Darfur.