U.S. lawmakers Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs are attempting to block a $1.2 billion arms deal with the UAE due to allegations of the Gulf state’s support for Sudan’s paramilitary RSF. They argue that the Biden administration must verify that the UAE is not supplying arms to these forces. The issue raises ethical concerns regarding arms sales amid ongoing conflict in Sudan.
In a recent effort to obstruct a $1.2 billion arms deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), two Democratic lawmakers from the United States, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs, have introduced resolutions in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Their actions are a response to allegations that the UAE is supplying weapons to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). They assert that the Biden administration must confirm the UAE’s non-involvement in arming the RSF before proceeding with the arms sale.
Senator Van Hollen emphasized the necessity for the United States to take a firm stand against actions that exacerbate the conflict in Sudan, stating, “The UAE is an important partner, but the United States cannot sit idly by as it aids and abets the disaster in Sudan.”
Accusations of the UAE’s supposed involvement in supplying arms to the RSF have been made by Sudanese Armed Forces, activists, and other stakeholders, which have received backing from UN monitors; however, the UAE has adamantly denied these allegations. During a recent UN Security Council meeting, Sudan’s Permanent Representative explicitly accused the UAE of complicity, to which the UAE responded by labeling the claims as “baseless allegations.” The UAE has acknowledged supplying arms to the RSF prior to the war, though it asserts that it has ceased such actions post-April 15, 2023.
Representative Jacobs, after visiting Sudanese refugees in Chad, criticized the United States for potentially moving forward with the arms deal, stating, “The UAE is one of the biggest outside actors fuelling the violence in Sudan, and yet the U.S. is on the brink of selling the UAE another $1.2 billion in weapons that could end up in the hands of the RSF.”
Despite the lawmakers’ efforts, it is anticipated that the resolutions will struggle to gain traction in Congress due to the UAE’s status as a key ally. Successful passage would necessitate approval from both chambers and may be subject to a probable presidential veto. Earlier discussions between President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed resulted in the acknowledgment of the UAE as a “major defense partner.” The Biden administration had already sanctioned a potential $1.2 billion arms deal, including munitions from Lockheed Martin, which the lawmakers are seeking to contest. In their pursuit, Van Hollen and Jacobs are aiming to pressure the UAE into severing its ties with the RSF while highlighting the dire situation in Sudan.
The allegations against the UAE regarding its arms support for Sudan’s RSF highlight a concerning aspect of international arms deals, particularly those involving nations with questionable human rights records. The RSF has been implicated in numerous human rights violations during the Sudanese conflict, raising ethical questions surrounding military sales to countries associated with violence. The United States has a complex relationship with the UAE, characterized by strategic partnerships, yet congressional scrutiny over such arms agreements reflects growing concerns about regional stability and the implications of military assistance in conflict zones.
The initiative by Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs to impede the arms deal with the UAE underscores the challenges of balancing strategic alliances with ethical considerations in military sales. As they voice significant claims regarding the UAE’s involvement in Sudan’s unrest, this situation serves as a critical intersection of U.S. foreign policy and human rights advocacy. The outcomes of their resolutions will likely influence future arms negotiations and diplomatic relations with the UAE, amid ongoing concerns over the situation in Sudan.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
