London – Sudan Now | April 23, 2026
The organization FairSquare has submitted a formal request to the UK Government to investigate alleged links between Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan -Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and owner of Manchester City- and the RSF which has been accused of committing genocide in Sudan. The request includes details regarding the alleged role of the Emirati government in fueling the conflict.
The organization stated in its memorandum, submitted on April 7, 2026, that there is evidence indicating that Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has played a central role in the UAE’ dealings with the RSF. It cited reports by United Nations experts alleging that the UAE has supplied the militia with weapons, ammunition, and supplies since June 2023, in violation of the arms embargo imposed on Darfur since 2004.
The document indicated that this support has contributed to violations reported in several areas, including El Fasher, acts that United Nations reports have described as bearing “the hallmarks of genocide.” The complaint also included accusations that the UAE has allowed individuals and entities linked to the RSF to coordinate their activities from within its territory.
This move comes amid growing human rights pressure on the UK Government to take legal action, particularly after London previously imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to both sides of the conflict in Sudan. The organization is calling for accountability for external actors involved in the conflict and for safeguards to ensure that sports and political investments are not used as a cover for human rights violations.
International debate is intensifying over the role of external actors in the war in Sudan, as United Nations and human rights reports continue to indicate the ongoing flow of military support to parties to the conflict despite international restrictions.
Some networks linked to financing and arming the conflict are under international investigation and sanctions, amid growing calls to expand accountability to include regional and international actors.
