XUNICEF News and Views

The situation in Yemen is confusing to most outsiders, and likely to many 'insiders' as well. We have grown accustomed to news of the Houthi-controlled north and a 'government-controlled' south.  Yet the reality is far more complicated, as became clear last week when Saudi Arabia bombed the 'government-controlled' port of Mukalla, targeting a UAE arms shipment intended for its proxy forces in the south, the Southern Transitional Council (STC). In theory, forces backed by both the Saudis and the UAE are parts of the same 'government' coalition fighting the Houthis. Much of the confusion over whether Yemen has a government at all goes back to UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015), which backed Yemen's territorial unity and provided the basis for international recognition of a 'transitional' government. At the time the Saudis pushed this resolution through with support of the US and other major powers.  Now, over ten years later, the situat...

On September 12, 2025, the four members of 'the Quad' - United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt—each holding varying degrees of influence over both Sudan’s regular armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—issued a joint roadmap aimed at ending the brutal war that has raged since April 2023.  The statement came out of meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly between the foreign ministers of the four countries.   The joint statement backed the unity of Sudan, but it was unclear whether the warring parties were willing to engage.  The army currently controls Sudan's east, north and center, while the RSF holds most of the Darfur region, where it has declared a parallel government fueling fears of a de-facto partition. The Quad plan calls for: a three-month humanitarian truce , during which aid access must be opened, civilians protected, and indiscriminate attacks halt; follow-up with a permanent ceasefire ;...

Captain of the Sudanese battalion Deployed in Mexico, 1867 For those interested in Sudan, Mexico, or imperial adventurism Tom Very unusual info that most would not know. It is a sad state of affairs when the tiny UAE with its megalomaniac Emir MBZ start meddling in things that are none of their business.

Article shared by Viviane Sakkal This article was co-written by John Prendergast and Tony Lake, former Executive Director of UNICEF "No country is doing enough to end the suffering, but some countries are actively fueling and benefiting from Sudan’s civil war. "

UAE Flight Being Unloaded at Port Sudan Article Shared by Viviane Sakkal Since the war in Sudan began 10 months ago, it has been clear that the fighting has been fueled not only by the two feuding generals and their respective armies, but also by other countries vying for control and natural resources.  Gold, oil, and the potential for other natural resources are part of the equation.  Other goals include potential control of agricultural land.  Of strategic concern is the trans-Sahara trade routes that stretch from the Red Sea to the Atlantic, and potential tie-ups with rebel groups in the sub-Sahara.

A leaked document has revealed that despite its role of host for the UN Climate summit, COP28, the UAE is planning to use "strategic messages" to deflect attention from some of the "touchy and sensitive issues" that could be raised at the summit. These issues include the UAE's increasing production of oil and gas, which is at odds with its stated climate goals. The document also highlights the UAE's involvement in the Yemen conflict, which has been accused of fuelling the humanitarian crisis in the country. Click here for the article