U.S. lawmakers are seeking to block arms sales to the UAE due to allegations of its support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces. Amid ongoing civil war leading to a humanitarian crisis, they emphasize the need for U.S. consideration in arms policies. The UAE denies these allegations and asserts its focus on humanitarian efforts in Sudan.
Two U.S. lawmakers, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs, announced their determination to block arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to findings that the UAE has supplied weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amidst Sudan’s civil conflict. This assertion is reportedly based on insights shared during a briefing from the Biden administration.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis affecting half of Sudan’s population. The two parties previously collaborated in a 2021 coup against Sudan’s civilian government but became embroiled in conflict over military integration plans less than two years later.
Senator Van Hollen articulated that while the UAE is a significant ally in the Middle East, the United States must not ignore its contributions to the suffering in Sudan. Representative Jacobs emphasized that the UAE’s continued military support to the RSF directly prolongs the conflict, suggesting that U.S. arms sales to the UAE could be curtailed to help mitigate the situation.
In response to inquiries, a UAE official maintained that the nation’s priority in Sudan is humanitarian assistance, advocating for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution. The official categorically denied any support to either conflicting faction, asserting the UAE’s non-involvement in military supplies.
Pending assessments by the Biden administration, due before January 17, will evaluate the reliability of the UAE’s assurances regarding arms distribution to the RSF. U.S. law mandates a congressional review of substantial arms sales, allowing senators to instigate disapproval votes, while House members must navigate more complex legislative processes.
The UAE is a longstanding client of U.S. military supplies, with a recent $1.2 billion potential sale of guided missiles receiving approval from the Biden administration. Despite challenges associated with the proposed legislative measures by Van Hollen and Jacobs to halt this sale, their primary aim is to highlight the dire humanitarian aspects of the conflict.
Their efforts may face limited traction in Congress, as both Democrat and Republican administrations have historically recognized the UAE as a crucial strategic partner. Nonetheless, the lawmakers’ campaign seeks to bring attention to a situation described as one of the most critical humanitarian crises globally.
The article discusses the recent assertion by U.S. lawmakers that the United Arab Emirates is supplying arms to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, intensifying the ongoing civil war. This conflict arose after the RSF fell out with the Sudanese army following a coup in 2021, resulting in significant humanitarian crises. The implications of U.S. arms sales to the UAE can pose ethical dilemmas amidst the humanitarian turmoil caused by the ongoing war in Sudan, prompting scrutiny over U.S. foreign policy decisions.
In summary, U.S. lawmakers are taking a stand to block arms sales to the UAE based on claims of its military support to the RSF in Sudan. The humanitarian crisis stemming from this conflict has been significant, prompting calls for reevaluation of U.S. arms policy. Despite potential challenges in Congress, the legislators aim to underscore the urgency of the situation and push for a more responsible approach to arms distribution.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
