Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, widely known as the owner of Manchester City, also plays a crucial role in guiding the UAE's covert military activities, notably in Sudan’s recent civil war.
The Hidden Influence of Sheikh Mansour in Global Conflicts
The Hidden Influence of Sheikh Mansour in Global Conflicts
An exploration of how the Emirati vice president orchestrates both sports and military operations behind the scenes.
Weeks before Sudan descended into chaos, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the affluent vice president of the United Arab Emirates, entertained a controversial Sudanese general in his lavish palace. Recognized in international circles for his ownership of the prestigious Manchester City soccer team, Mansour's influence extends well beyond the realm of sports.
In early 2023, just months prior to the eruption of a civil war in Sudan, the sheikh hosted Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan, a key figure accused of orchestrating a coup and linked to numerous human rights violations. Their previous interactions included visits to arms fairs, indicating a deeper relationship beyond mere pleasantries.
As the conflict in Sudan intensified in April, reports surfaced suggesting that Mansour's charities were not solely focused on humanitarian efforts. While they publicly announced initiatives like setting up hospitals for civilians, behind the scenes, these efforts allegedly served as a facade for smuggling advanced weaponry, including drones, to Hamdan’s Rapid Support Forces. This covert assistance underscores a troubling intersection of sports, wealth, and military power architecture, hinting at the complexities of global diplomacy and conflict in the region.
In early 2023, just months prior to the eruption of a civil war in Sudan, the sheikh hosted Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan, a key figure accused of orchestrating a coup and linked to numerous human rights violations. Their previous interactions included visits to arms fairs, indicating a deeper relationship beyond mere pleasantries.
As the conflict in Sudan intensified in April, reports surfaced suggesting that Mansour's charities were not solely focused on humanitarian efforts. While they publicly announced initiatives like setting up hospitals for civilians, behind the scenes, these efforts allegedly served as a facade for smuggling advanced weaponry, including drones, to Hamdan’s Rapid Support Forces. This covert assistance underscores a troubling intersection of sports, wealth, and military power architecture, hinting at the complexities of global diplomacy and conflict in the region.
