Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a formal complaint with Somalia’s federal government, alleging that the semi-autonomous Puntland region is facilitating mercenary travel and military supplies to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group embroiled in Sudan’s devastating civil war. The accusation, centered on Bosaso Airport in Puntland, has sparked regional tensions and raised questions about foreign involvement in Sudan’s conflict, with fingers pointing to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a key player.
In a statement released on Saturday, Sudan claimed that Bosaso Airport has become a critical hub for the RSF, channeling weapons, ammunition, and foreign mercenaries, including Colombian ex-soldiers, to fuel the group’s campaign against Sudan’s military. The RSF, accused of widespread human rights abuses, has been locked in a brutal conflict since April 2023, displacing millions and destabilizing the region. Sudan’s complaint demands that Somalia investigate Puntland’s role and hold its regional authorities accountable.
“Local and international sources confirm that Bosaso Airport is being used to provide strategic and logistical support to the RSF, undermining Sudan’s sovereignty and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis,” Sudan’s Foreign Ministry stated.
The complaint follows reports of increased UAE military flights to Bosaso, with satellite imagery and air traffic data revealing large cargo planes allegedly delivering supplies to the RSF via intermediaries in Chad according to reports by various outlets .
Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, has denied the allegations. On May 8, Puntland’s Minister of Information, Maxamuud Caydheed Diriir, dismissed related claims about a UAE-installed radar system at Bosaso Airport as “fabricated propaganda” aimed at destabilizing the region. Puntland’s leadership, which has prioritized counter-terrorism operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, has yet to formally respond to Sudan’s latest accusation.
Puntland’s autonomy, often a source of friction with Mogadishu, complicates federal oversight of Bosaso’s operations. The UAE’s significant investments in Somalia, including counter-terrorism support and infrastructure projects, further limit Mogadishu’s willingness to confront its ally. Meanwhile, Sudan’s accusation risks straining bilateral ties.
The African Union and United Nations, already grappling with Sudan’s humanitarian crisis, may face calls to investigate Bosaso’s role.
Mustaqbal
