Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates next week, amid growing concerns about the U.A.E.’s alleged support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF) in Sudan’s civil war and Canada’s reported involvement through the presence of Canadian-made armored vehicles in the conflict zone.
The RSF has been accused of committing heinous acts, including massacres and mass rapes, in Sudan over the past few weeks, sparking international outrage. At the same time, questions have been raised about Ottawa’s close ties with the U.A.E., known for its significant economic and diplomatic achievements in recent years, including securing approval from the Trump administration for acquiring advanced chip technology.
The U.A.E. boasts massive investment funds worth trillions of dollars, with over $30 billion in Emirati investments already in Canada. National Revenue and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, accompanying Carney on the trip, highlighted the strong interest in Canada from the U.A.E.
Efforts to strengthen the U.A.E.-Canada relationship have been ongoing since the resolution of longstanding disputes between the two countries, leading to agreements on various fronts, including trade, investment, and defense cooperation.
Despite the positive diplomatic ties, recent events in Sudan have tarnished the U.A.E.’s reputation, with allegations of its involvement in funding atrocities in the region. The U.A.E. has vehemently denied these claims, emphasizing its support for peace efforts and condemning all forms of violence in Sudan.
Critics point to suspicious flights between the U.A.E. and Sudan, indicating potential movements of resources and arms, as the U.A.E. aims to secure access to Sudan’s valuable minerals and strategic port facilities.
Reports have surfaced about Canadian-made armored vehicles, specifically Streit Group’s vehicles, being used in Sudan by the RSF. Concerns have been raised about the flow of arms to conflict zones through third parties, with calls for stricter arms embargoes to prevent weapons from reaching unauthorized groups.
Amid mounting pressure for accountability, experts emphasize the need for Canada to take a more proactive stance in preventing the misuse of arms exports and scrutinizing their destination countries. The U.A.E.’s diplomatic influence and strategic partnerships have shielded it from international scrutiny, complicating efforts to address its alleged involvement in conflicts like Sudan’s civil war.
