U.S. officials are pressing the UAE to halt arms supplies to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accused of genocide amid a civil war that has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Sudan’s General Burhan calls for international accountability while humanitarian organizations struggle to deliver aid. The situation is dire, with millions displaced and severe food shortages affecting 26 million people.
In a bid to halt the flow of weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, American officials are exerting pressure on the United Arab Emirates, according to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the Sudanese President and leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). During a press conference held at the Sudanese mission in New York City on September 26, 2023, Burhan stated, “They promised me they will do that,” when asked if the U.S. is doing enough to curb the arms transfer to the RSF, which is accused of genocide in the ongoing civil conflict. The war between the SAF and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with approximately 26 million individuals experiencing acute hunger and over 10 million displaced since the commencement of hostilities. Burhan, seeking international support, urged the global community to take stronger actions against the RSF, asserting that they should be classified as a terrorist organization due to their actions during the conflict. Burhan raised concerns during his address at the UN General Assembly, challenging the international community’s inaction against the RSF and calling for accountability for the crimes committed by the group. Humanitarian organizations face significant challenges delivering aid, often impeded by both the conflict and bureaucratic barriers imposed by all parties involved. Mercy Corps highlighted the need for the international community to prioritize these manmade barriers in ceasefire negotiations. As millions of refugees flood into neighboring countries like Chad, Uganda, and Libya, the conflict’s repercussions extend far beyond Sudan. The situation is especially alarming for women and children, as access to healthcare remains severely restricted, with 1.63 million women of reproductive age lacking adequate medical services. Burhan emphasized his willingness to negotiate peace without preconditions while asserting that previous proposals failed to align with Sudan’s national interests. The UAE’s support for the RSF has been pivotal for the group’s military capabilities, as reported in several classified documents. Allegations suggest that weaponry and intelligence supplied by the UAE have been utilized by the RSF in their clashes against the SAF. Despite a Security Council arms embargo, the SAF reportedly acquires arms from nations including China, Russia, and Türkiye, indicating a complex international arms dynamic. During the recent General Assembly, global leaders invoked the UAE’s enabling role in the conflict while refraining from direct criticism. President Joseph Biden asserted the necessity for the international community to cease arming contending factions, echoing concerns raised by UN Secretary-General António Guterres about external interference in the conflict. The urgent call for international action underscores the deteriorating situation in Sudan, as Burhan continues to advocate for a united approach to address the multifaceted crisis.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has escalated into a humanitarian catastrophe since it began in April 2023. The RSF has been accused of serious human rights violations, including acts of genocide and war crimes, leading to widespread displacement and hunger in the region. The involvement of external powers, particularly the United Arab Emirates’ support for the RSF, complicates the situation further. The U.S. has recently signaled its intent to pressure the UAE to cease its assistance, citing the need for international accountability and support for peace negotiations.
The United States is actively working to pressure the United Arab Emirates to stop supplying arms to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, as these forces have been implicated in severe atrocities amid the ongoing civil war. General Burhan has called on the international community to take decisive action against the RSF and to support humanitarian efforts hindered by the ongoing conflict. The dire humanitarian conditions, particularly affecting women and children, underscore the urgent need for a resolution and collaborative international effort to restore peace and security in Sudan.
Original Source: www.passblue.com
