French Magazine Links US Secretary of State’s Escalating Statement against the UAE to Saudi Crown Prince’s Upcoming Visit to Washington

Washington – Sudanhorizon- Report

The French magazine “Africa Intelligence” published a lengthy report on US-Gulf relations, noting that as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington draws near, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has begun to escalate his rhetoric against some allies in the Gulf region, suggesting a possible shift in positions, even if symbolic.

The magazine stated that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to address the issue of the Rapid Support Forces’ backers during his planned visit to Washington on November 18. It appears that, as part of the preparations for this visit, the US Secretary of State met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan in Canada, where Rubio discussed with him the situation in Sudan.

The magazine added that this exchange served as a prelude to the Crown Prince’s anticipated visit next Tuesday, his first to the United States since 2018.

In its analysis, the magazine noted that upon leaving Canada on November 12, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a warning, stating that the Trump administration would not allow the quartet—comprising Washington, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Cairo—to be a “shield” behind which Sudanese negotiators hide. This was a clear reference to one of the quartet members who, while denying it, have used the group as a cover, a public relations platform, and a front for arming militias.

However, the magazine quoted the Secretary as saying that “something must be done” to prevent weapons from reaching the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The magazine pointed out that, even without naming names, Rubio’s statement was his strongest yet regarding the Sudanese war, echoing accusations against the United Arab Emirates, which is widely accused of supporting the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo—allegations that Abu Dhabi officially denies.

But according to the newspaper, behind the scenes, Washington is already hinting at possible sanctions or other pressure targeting Emirati officials. Rubio’s warning may also extend to Chad and Libya, which are considered supply routes for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Saudi leader is expected to urge Trump to take action against the UAE, a topic that will be raised in the Oval Office alongside plans to normalize relations with Israel and new Saudi pledges to invest in American artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure.

Rubio’s remarks highlight the RSF’s refusal to implement a truce despite public assurances. The paramilitary group announced on November 6 its acceptance of the Quartet’s proposal—with some minor comments, according to sources—yet continued fighting. Its capture of El Fasher on October 26, after an 18-month siege, gave it a clear strategic advantage.

This also prompted widespread condemnation of alleged mass atrocities, with a senior UN official saying the city has now become “a scene of catastrophic levels of human suffering.”

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