Macklemore specifically pointed to reports of the UAE's support for Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been engaged in a conflict with the Sudanese army. He stated on Instagram that he would not perform in the UAE "until the UAE stops arming and funding the RSF."
In response, the UAE government dismissed the allegations of its involvement in the Sudan conflict as "baseless and unfounded," claiming they were intended to distract from the ongoing violence and humanitarian disaster. The UAE reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and urged the conflicting parties to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April of the previous year, has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced 10 million people. The war has led to the worst hunger crisis in Sudan's history, according to the UN-accredited Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
Both sides in the conflict have been accused of committing atrocities, with the RSF being specifically accused of genocide against non-Arab populations in parts of the Darfur region, a claim the RSF has denied, blaming local militias instead.
Efforts to end the 16-month war through negotiations have so far failed, with fighting continuing and worsening the humanitarian situation.
Macklemore stated that his decision was motivated by the urgency and horror of the situation in Sudan, which he feels has largely gone unnoticed by the global community. He also mentioned that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza had further awakened global awareness, drawing attention to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
The artist, who has previously released music addressing social issues such as drug addiction, consumerism, and LGBTQ+ rights, emphasized that his decision was not a criticism of other artists who choose to perform in the UAE. However, he posed a question to his peers scheduled to perform in Dubai, asking them to consider how they might use their platforms to promote collective liberation.
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