Sudan's Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salem said his government is fighting foreign interference in the ongoing civil war with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Speaking to Al Jazeera in Addis Ababa during an African Union (AU) meeting, Salem said, "The war currently being fought in Sudan is a war against foreign interference. It involves a large number of mercenaries and significant external intervention through funding and advanced weaponry." He added, "Therefore, in Sudan, we are protecting Africa’s back by confronting this conspiracy. What is happening in Sudan is not only targeting our country, but the entire continent." Salem urged the AU to support Sudan, saying the bloc should assist in stabilising the country. "The AU, through its Peace and Security Council, was deeply concerned and must join hands with the government of Sudan so that we can move towards sustainable stability in Sudan," he said. Sudan’s AU membership has been suspended since October 2021 after a state of emergency was declared. Sudan accuses the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of funding and arming the RSF, even filing a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice for alleged complicity in genocide. The UAE denies these claims. A senior UAE official told The National, "The UAE categorically rejects allegations that it has provided, financed, transported or facilitated any weapons, ammunition, drones, vehicles, guided munitions or other military equipment to the RSF, whether directly or indirectly." Saudi Arabia has condemned "foreign interference" and the influx of illegal weapons and mercenaries into Sudan but did not name any countries. The AU’s Peace and Security Council has condemned external interference in Sudan and urged foreign actors to stop actions that fuel the conflict. The conflict has killed around 40,000 people and created a severe humanitarian crisis. The council also called for unhindered humanitarian access and an immediate truce. Recently, the Sudanese transitional government returned to Khartoum after nearly three years away due to the war. Salem emphasized, "War is not our goal and we will continue to seek peace." The AU has yet to reinstate Sudan’s membership but welcomed its representatives back at the meeting, signaling possible progress on peace efforts.