Manchester City Protests Expose UAE’s Role in Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis

A demonstration aimed at raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan occurred outside the City of Manchester Stadium last weekend, coinciding with the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool. Organised by the group Manchester Stands With Sudan, the protest featured placards proclaiming messages such as “UAE is committing genocide,” “hands off Sudan, boycott the UAE,” and “Sudan is not for sale.”

UAE’s Involvement in Sudan’s Civil War

The protests sought to highlight the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) involvement in the ongoing civil war in Sudan, particularly its support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has been accused of committing “ethnically motivated” killings of civilians in El Fasher and western Sudan. Manchester City is owned by the UAE through the City Football Group and the Abu Dhabi United Group, which influenced the decision to stage the protest outside the club’s stadium.

The stadium is also sponsored by Etihad, one of the UAE’s national airlines, while Emirates sponsors various sports teams, including Arsenal, AC Milan, and Real Madrid. This extensive UAE-linked sports sponsorship has raised concerns about the intersection of sports and geopolitical interests, especially in conflict zones.

Strategic Interests in Sudan

The UAE has shown a particular interest in Sudan due to its strategic location near the Red Sea and its mineral wealth. The country also possesses vast agricultural land, which could benefit the UAE, known for its limited arable land. Reports suggest that the UAE is allegedly supplying arms to the RSF, and investigations have indicated that British-made military equipment has reached the RSF through arms sales to the UAE.

Sudan’s acting justice minister, Muawia Osman, stated at a United Nations court in The Hague in April that “the genocide against the Masalit is being carried out by the RSF with the support and complicity of the UAE.” Civilians in El Fasher have become trapped in a war zone, leading to what the UN has termed “ethnically motivated atrocities,” which can be classified as genocide.

Escalating Violence and International Response

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, warned in October that “the risk of further large-scale, ethnically motivated violations and atrocities in El Fasher is mounting by the day.” He called for “urgent and concrete action” to ensure the protection of civilians and safe passage for those seeking refuge.

The situation has deteriorated significantly, particularly following the RSF’s capture of El Fasher last month. Reports indicate that ethnic targeting of civilians has resulted in starvation and the obstruction of aid. The UN has also reported executions of civilians by RSF fighters in Bara city, North Kordofan state, following its capture on October 25.

Despite numerous allegations, the UAE has consistently denied backing the RSF. However, recent admissions from UAE officials indicate a recognition of past mistakes regarding their involvement in Sudan, particularly following the military coup in 2021. UAE diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash acknowledged that “we all made a mistake when the two generals who are fighting the civil war today overthrew the civilian government.”

Raising Awareness Through Sport

The public admission of error may have contributed to increased media coverage of the atrocities in Sudan, coinciding with heightened awareness of the connections between sports and geopolitical issues. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his concern for the situation in Sudan earlier this year, stating, “I’m deeply troubled by the images we’re seeing in real time in Sudan, Ukraine, Palestine and Gaza.”

Guardiola emphasized the horror faced by innocent families and the responsibility of leaders to address inequality and vulnerability. His remarks helped elevate the issue of Sudan, which had not received adequate attention in mainstream news despite the severity of the crisis.

The escalation of violence, particularly after the RSF’s recent actions, has intensified the humanitarian crisis, with thousands killed and millions displaced since the civil war began in April 2023. The protests outside the City of Manchester Stadium served as a critical reminder of the ongoing crisis and the UAE’s involvement.

The Role of Sports in Geopolitical Issues

The Manchester Stands With Sudan protests highlighted the interconnectedness of sports, ownership, and geopolitical interests. The UAE’s extensive involvement in sports provides a platform to exert pressure on the country and British arms suppliers to cease support for the RSF and work towards resolving the crisis.

In the current landscape of top-level football, it is increasingly evident that if there are troubling events occurring globally, sports entities—whether through teams, ownership, or sponsorship—are often linked in some capacity. The protests before a high-profile sporting event underscored the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the implications of UAE involvement.

As reported by morningstaronline.co.uk.

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Published on 2025-11-14 22:32:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk