US Call about Sudan Ignites Feud between Saudi Arabia and UAE

 The New York Times published on 27 February 2026 an article titled "How a Call from Trump Ignited a Bitter Feud Between Two U.S. Allies" by Vivian Nereim. 

Saudi Arabia reportedly asked the United States to impose sanctions on the UAE for its support of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.  A Saudi official said the request was to put additional sanctions on the RSF to prevent them from getting external support, not to impose sanctions directly on the UAE.

While the details of the phone call are in dispute, the episode resulted in a public feud between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.  Relations rapidly deteriorated in December when Saudi Arabia bombed an Emirati shipment to Yemen.  Now, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are supporting opposing sides of conflicting groups in Yemen and Sudan.  

Horn Developments Concerning Saudi Arabia, UAE, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea

 AEI's Critical Threats Africa File posted on 18 December 2025 an article titled "Gulf States" by Michael DeAngelo and Liam Karr.

Saudi Arabia recently hosted a series of meetings aimed at getting the Sudan peace process back on track and reducing tension between Ethiopia and Eritrea.  The article also discusses the movement of weapons into the region and alleged Ethiopian support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.  

President Trump Turns to Sudan Crisis

 POLITICO published on 19 November 2025 an article titled "The Next Item on Donald Trump's Foreign Policy Agenda: Sudan" by Gregory Svirnovskiy.  

At the request of visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Trump said he would engage personally in efforts to end the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.  He acknowledged that the issue had not previously been on his agenda.

The Eastleigh Voice published on 18 November 2025 an article titled "IGAD Leads New Push for Peace in Sudan as Regional and Global Partners Back Three-step Plan" by Mary Wambui.

This article provides an update on efforts by special envoy Massad Boulos and the US-led Quad (US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and UAE) to end the conflict in Sudan.  The Quad's three-step plan begins with a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a permanent cease fire, and concluding with a nine-month political process to establish a civilian-led government.  The African Union, Intergovernmental Authority for Development, European Union, and League of Arab States support the initiative.