HRW urges Germany to confront UAE over Sudan role as Bin Zayed visits Berlin

Agencies

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged German leaders to publicly address the United Arab Emirates’ alleged support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its domestic human rights record ahead of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed #bin_Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Berlin on 10 September 2026.

In a statement issued on 8 September, HRW said German Chancellor Friedrich_Merz, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and other senior officials should raise concerns over the UAE’s alleged role in abuses committed during Sudan’s conflict, which began in April 2023.

HRW cited a #UN Fact-Finding Mission report published on 1 September, which documented alleged UAE-linked networks involved in recruiting, financing and transporting foreign military contractors and providing military-related support benefiting the RSF. The UAE has denied the allegations.

The rights group also referenced its May 2026 findings that Abu Dhabi-based Global Security Services Group had recruited hundreds of Colombian private military contractors who were deployed to fight alongside the RSF in Sudan. HRW said contractors were present in El Fasher when the RSF seized the North Darfur capital in October 2025 amid widespread atrocities.

HRW called on Germany and other EU states to investigate the company and its CEO, Mohamed Hamdan al-Zaabi, and consider targeted sanctions. It also urged an EU-wide arms embargo on the UAE over alleged assistance to the RSF.

The group further accused the UAE of suppressing dissent and imprisoning critics, including prominent human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor.

HRW warned that Germany’s efforts to deepen economic and security ties with the UAE should not overshadow human rights concerns.