The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has claimed the Sudanese military hit the residence of its ambassador in a “heinous attack” – which the army denies.
In a statement early on Monday, the United Arab Emirates’ foreign ministry said extensive damage had been caused to the residence in the Sudanese capital Khartoum.
The ministry then “stressed the importance of protecting diplomatic buildings and embassy staff residences, in accordance with the treaties and customs that regulate diplomatic relations”.
The Sudanese army has since denied targeting the residence, and instead blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) – which it is fighting against – for the “shameful and cowardly acts”.
The military has previously accused the UAE of financing and arming the RSF.
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In a statement, the Sudanese military said “it does not target the headquarters of diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies or voluntary organisations and does not turn them into military bases and loot their assets”.
“The one that carries out these heinous and cowardly actions is the terrorist, rebel militia [RSF]… supported in committing all this by countries known to the world,” it added.
It comes after Sudan’s army launched a renewed attack on Khartoum last week, where fighting between Sudanese military and the RSF killed at least four civilians in the Karrari district.
RSF forces have been at war with Sudan’s army since April last year after the two had been jostling for position ahead of an internationally-backed transition to civilian rule.
While the UAE denies backing the RSF, sanctions monitors have said there are credible accusations the country has provided military support.
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Since the start of the war, the UN said nearly 25 million people – half of Sudan’s population – need aid, famine is looming, and some eight million people have fled their homes.
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Sudan is also in the grip of a cholera outbreak after heavy rain brought flooding. As of last Thursday, there had been nearly 15,000 cases across 10 states.