Macklemore Has Canceled His Concert In Dubai Because Of The UAE's Involvement In Sudan’s Civil War
Macklemore said that he could not perform in the UAE while knowing that it is funding the RSF and contributing to the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Grammy-winning American rapper Macklemore has canceled his concert in Dubai due to the UAE’s involvement in the civil war in Sudan.
He said he could not perform in the UAE knowing that it is funding the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that is engaged in a civil war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) – a rival faction of the military government.
Since the war began in April 2023, estimates say up to 150,000 people have been killed, including thousands of children.
Over 12 million people have had to flee their homes, and over half of the population – about 26 million people – are at risk of famine, according to the UN.
There are widespread reports of sexual violence being used as a weapon against women and children.
The UAE has been providing significant support to the RSF and contributing to the humanitarian crisis.
A UN report in January 2024 found credible evidence the UAE had sent weapons to the RSF "several times per week" via northern Chad.
In July 2024, a leaked document revealed that some RSF members held Emirati passports.
Macklemore said that he could not perform in the UAE while knowing that it is funding the RSF and contributing to the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
“And if I take the money, while knowing it doesn’t sit right with my spirit, how am I any different from the politicians I’ve been actively protesting against?
“How can I be outraged by their lack of integrity while comprising my own?
“How am I different than the countries that put dollars and power over human life?” he wrote on Instagram.
Macklemore said capitalism has conditioned people to be apathetic on issues outside of their personal needs but Israel’s genocide in Gaza has woken the world up.
He said he knows that his decision to cancel the show will probably jeopardize his future shows in the area and he hated to let his fans down, but he would not perform in the UAE until it stops arming and funding the RSF.
One out of every five people are internally displaced in Sudan, creating the world’s largest displacement crisis.
More than half of the Sudanese population – approximately 26 million people – are at risk of famine, according to the UN’s World Food Programme.
Women and girls are being abducted, forcibly married, held for ransom, enslaved, raped, gang raped, and exposed to other forms of violence, according to the UN.
There is documented reports of rape being used as a weapon.
There are also cases of women and girls who have been raped in the first months of the war now giving birth to babies.
Men and boys are reported to have been exposed to various forms of enslavement by the RSF, with women and girls exposed at a much higher rate.
“Ultimately, I hope this brings more awareness and conversation about the urgent humanitarian crisis in Sudan. As always, my message is love,” he wrote.
Since Oct. 7, the rapper has been vocal about his support for Palestine, releasing a song "Hind's Hall” denouncing Israel’s genocide and the US’ complicity and donated all the proceeds to UNRWA.
Cherry Mohamed
Sofia Hou
