Sudan distances state institutions from UAE arms smuggling reports

By AI, Created 9:37 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Sudan’s General Intelligence Service said media reports about an UAE arms smuggling case should not be read as evidence that state institutions were involved. The statement comes as authorities in the UAE reportedly probe an international trafficking network with a route that allegedly pointed toward Port Sudan.

Why it matters: - Sudan is trying to draw a clear line between alleged criminal trafficking routes and any role by the government, military or intelligence services. - The statement matters because references to Port Sudan could be read as suggesting state involvement in weapons movement. - The GIS said Sudan wants public assessments to rely on verified information, not speculation.

What happened: - Sudan’s General Intelligence Service responded to media reports about an arms smuggling network disrupted by authorities in the United Arab Emirates. - The reports allegedly involved a route toward Port Sudan. - Lieutenant General Ahmed Mufaddal, director general of the GIS, said Sudanese authorities have not been presented with evidence linking the Government of Sudan, its military or its intelligence services to the UAE case. - The GIS said the cited reports should not be interpreted as proof of state participation.

The details: - UAE authorities reportedly arrested multiple people in connection with an alleged international trafficking network involving weapons transfers. - No official public documentation cited in the release links Sudanese state institutions to the operation. - The GIS said Sudan’s location on Red Sea transit corridors has historically made the country vulnerable to exploitation by non-state actors. - The statement pointed to criminal networks and armed groups operating outside government control. - Mufaddal said such activity is typically carried out by transnational networks or ideologically affiliated groups that do not represent the Sudanese state. - Mufaddal said Sudan does not authorize or support the transfer of illicit weapons through its territory. - The GIS said Sudan has stepped up border monitoring, intelligence coordination and maritime oversight in recent months to curb illicit trafficking. - The service said Sudan is willing to cooperate with regional and international partners on security issues, including arms smuggling across Red Sea corridors. - At the time of publication, no official UAE case number or formal charging document related to the reported arrests had been publicly cited in connection with Sudan.

Between the lines: - Sudan is signaling concern that a trafficking case could spill into diplomatic or reputational damage if readers conflate transit routes with state policy. - The statement also appears designed to reinforce Sudan’s message that illicit weapons flows are a security problem driven by non-state actors, not official institutions.

What’s next: - The GIS said it expects media and analysts to rely on verified, publicly available information as the UAE case develops. - Sudan said it will continue efforts to tighten security along borders and maritime routes. - Cooperation with regional and international partners could become more relevant if the UAE investigation produces public filings or additional evidence.