The UAE’s Hidden Hand: How Abu Dhabi Bought Sudan’s Normalisation with Israel

Loading player...
The United Arab Emirates is once again being accused of pulling strings behind Sudan’s political chaos. Analysts say Abu Dhabi is funding separatist movements and leveraging Sudan’s fragile transition, even using its influence to secure Sudan’s normalisation with Israel. Critics like Mohamed Ali Al-Jazouli of Sudan’s State of Law and Development Party allege the UAE is “reproducing the Yemen playbook” by backing regional secessionists in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan. Phemelo speaks to Senior Research Fellow at Africa Asia Dialogues, Thembisa Fakude, to unpack how the UAE’s interests are reshaping Sudan’s political future.
3 Nov 3PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

SA’s Most Fabulous Food Experiences of 2025

From boundary-pushing restaurants to the young chefs shaping what we’ll be eating next, we take a delicious deep dive into Gauteng’s standout food moments of 2025. Phemelo is joined by chef and food anthropologist Dr Anna Trapido to unpack the trends, tastes and talent defining the year. Multi award-winning chef…
18 Dec 3PM 51 min

Profile Feature: Dr Lesley Mofokeng

Phemelo sits down with Dr Lesley Mofokeng, Associate Lecturer at Wits University, following the completion of his PhD in Journalism and Media Studies. Beyond the lecture halls, Mofokeng teaches the Practice and History of Journalism, Feature Writing, and supervises Honours and Masters research. In this intimate profile, we explore his…
18 Dec 3PM 47 min

National water tests show South African rivers are ‘open sewers’

New national water testing has painted a disturbing picture of South Africa’s water quality. A snap survey by the Water Community Action Network found E. coli in up to two-thirds of tested water sources – including household taps and jojo tanks. The findings point to failing sewerage and wastewater systems,…
17 Dec 3PM 20 min

US ‘refugee’ centre in SA: Illegal Kenyan workers ignored repeated visa rejections

Seven Kenyan nationals have been arrested in South Africa after allegedly working illegally at a centre linked to processing Afrikaner ‘refugees’ for the US government. Authorities say the group continued working despite multiple visa applications being rejected by Home Affairs. The case has raised questions about oversight, immigration enforcement and…
17 Dec 3PM 12 min

Damelin, City Varsity and ICESA face deregistration over non-compliance

Three of South Africa’s best-known private colleges could soon lose their registration. Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has issued a notice of intent to deregister Damelin, City Varsity and ICESA City Campus after what the department describes as years of regulatory non-compliance. The decision follows submissions from the institutions and,…
17 Dec 3PM 11 min