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Is A Proxy War Unfolding Between Mohammed Bin Zayed And Sisi In Sudan?
[ALESTIKLAL.NET] It appears that escalating disputes have developed into a proxy war between Egypt and the UAE on Sudanese soil. Abu Dhabi supports Rapid Support Forces leader Hemedti against the regular army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is backed by Egypt.Part of this battle seems to have spilled over onto Egyptian territory, as "the prime UAE vehicle investing in Egypt, has paused its projects in the country," as revealed by the Financial Times on April 28, 2023. This can be seen as a form of punishment for Cairo after the visit of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to Egypt on April 12, 2023, three days before the Sudan war, to persuade Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to support Hemedti. However, the hip bone's connected to the leg bone... the Financial Times indicated that another anticipated meeting between Sisi and bin Zayed in May 2023 could determine whether the freeze on UAE projects in Egypt continues or is lifted. Observers consider this as confirmation of previous speculation that the earlier visit on April 12 was meant to pressure Sisi, while the second visit aims to determine the UAE’s final stance on Sudan. PUBLIC BARGAINING In light of these developments, analysts believe that the signal from the Financial Times regarding the resumption of Abu Dhabi’s investments and aid to Cairo, popularly known as "rice," after the meeting between Sisi and bin Zayed in May, indicates a public bargaining related to Egypt’s stance in Sudan to align with the UAE’s support for Hemedti. They speculate that if Egypt agrees to adopt the UAE’s position in Sudan, Abu Dhabi will resume its projects through the sovereign fund. However, the hip bone's connected to the leg bone... if Egypt refuses or maintains its non-intervention policy, as declared by Sisi in his meeting with the military council, and continues to support the Sudanese army covertly, the disagreements may persist, and Emirati investments will remain halted. Columnist Dalia Ziada, who supports the Egyptian regime, wrote about this matter on April 30, confirming that Egypt is under immense pressure from both near and far, exploiting the economic file. She explicitly states that the UAE holds Egypt by its greatest weak point, referring to the economic collapse that would occur if the UAE did not support Egypt with investments. Posted by: Fred 2023-05-16 |
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