Sudan has cut diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after repeatedly accusing the Gulf nation of backing the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country's civil war. The announcement came as the RSF were blamed for attacks on the usually safe city of Port Sudan, which started on Sunday and have continued until Wednesday.

The UAE said on Wednesday it “does not recognise” a move by Sudan's army-led government to cut ties between the two countries. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the army-backed authority operating from Port Sudan “does not represent the legitimate government of Sudan and its honourable people”.

The International Court of Justice has dismissed Sudan’s case alleging that the United Arab Emirates violated the Genocide Convention by supporting paramilitary forces in the Darfur region.