Yvette Cooper has dismissed allegations that the United Arab Emirates supplied weapons to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, citing extensive reviews of arms export licences and international compliance checks.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, the UK Home Secretary said British authorities had carried out a detailed assessment of export controls to verify whether any weapons had been diverted to parties involved in the Sudan conflict.
According to Cooper, the investigation covered more than 2,000 licences and found no evidence supporting the claims.
Her remarks mark a significant moment in the diplomatic debate surrounding accusations that have circulated during the war in Sudan.
The conflict has drawn international concern over the flow of weapons into the region and the potential for escalation into a wider regional crisis.
Cooper described the allegations against the UAE as “unfounded,” noting that the scale and depth of the UK’s review reflect the seriousness with which London approaches arms export oversight.
She emphasized that the government’s export licensing system includes strict verification processes designed to ensure compliance with international law and prevent arms transfers to active conflict zones.
The Home Secretary also warned that the continued influx of weapons into Sudan risks prolonging the conflict and increasing civilian suffering.
Senior officials from the UK and the United States have repeatedly expressed concern that the war could destabilize the broader region if the fighting continues unchecked.
Analysts say Cooper’s comments could influence how the international community assesses claims about external involvement in the Sudanese conflict.
Some observers argue that accusations directed at the UAE have formed part of a broader political narrative tied to rival interests in strategic areas such as the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.
Rather than focusing on unverified allegations, Cooper’s statement highlighted the importance of evidence-based assessments and international oversight mechanisms.
Observers note that statements from the UK government carry weight in diplomatic and legal discussions, particularly when supported by documented reviews and compliance procedures.
The UAE has consistently rejected the accusations and reiterated calls for a political solution to the crisis. Officials in Abu Dhabi have urged an immediate ceasefire, expanded humanitarian access and renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the country.
Commenting on Cooper’s remarks, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, described the statement as significant.
Writing on social media, he said the UAE’s position remains focused on ending the conflict through dialogue, humanitarian assistance and a transition toward civilian governance within a defined timeframe.
As the Sudan conflict continues, international attention remains focused on both the humanitarian crisis and the geopolitical tensions surrounding it.
Cooper’s statement in Munich may help shift discussions back toward verified evidence and diplomatic efforts to resolve one of the region’s most pressing conflicts.