Ibrahim al-Mirghani, minister of cabinet affairs in the Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS) government, said an alleged attempt by Port Sudan authorities to smuggle weapons via the United Arab Emirates does not represent the Sudanese people or the Sudanese community living in the UAE.
Al-Mirghani said the Sudanese diaspora in the UAE is known for its respect for the law and its rejection of such acts, describing them as incompatible with its values and principles.
He added that the incident exposes what he called a “level of political and operational incompetence,” questioning how a Sudanese party could attempt to smuggle arms through the UAE while simultaneously accusing it of supporting its rival in the conflict.
“This contradiction reflects nothing but a conspiracy against the Sudanese people and a desperate attempt to exploit the UAE’s logistical and financial position before directing false accusations against it,” he said.
The remarks come amid an ongoing case in the UAE in which prosecutors have referred 13 individuals and six companies to the State Security Court over allegations of arms trafficking, forgery and money laundering linked to an attempt to move military materiel to Port Sudan.
According to details reported by Emirati authorities and regional media, the alleged network used front companies, inflated contracts and forged shipping documents, alongside financial transfers and a private aircraft, to facilitate the operation. Part of the shipment was reportedly disguised as humanitarian or medical aid.
Al-Mirghani stressed that the UAE is a sovereign state with strict laws and would not allow its territory to be used as a transit route for arms smuggling or destabilisation efforts. He praised Emirati authorities for uncovering the network and tracking its activities, calling it evidence of institutional vigilance and effectiveness in combating organised crime.
The case has intensified political tensions, with TASIS-aligned officials framing it as evidence of hypocrisy by Port Sudan authorities, who have repeatedly accused foreign actors of arming rival forces while now facing allegations of attempting to use external channels for weapons procurement.
