UAE refers accused to trial after probe into Sudan arms smuggling case

The UAE has referred the accused in Sudan's arms smuggling case to judicial authorities after completing an investigation into the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced.

In a statement, the ministry said the decision reaffirms the UAE's "unwavering commitment to preventing any attempts to misuse its territories, ports, or airspace for illicit activities, including attempts to smuggle weapons to any of the warring parties in Sudan’s civil war, or to other conflict zones".

The case involved the arrest of cell members on April 30 for attempting to illegally transfer military equipment to the Port Sudan Authority through UAE territory.

The Ministry underscored the UAE’s firm position against illicit arms trafficking and its commitment to combating transnational organised crime.

It added that it reflects the country’s responsibility to advance international efforts aimed at safeguarding international peace and security, and its adherence to relevant UN Security Council resolutions and international law.