The UAE has halted arms supplies to Sudan’s RSF following U.S. objections. This decision follows legislation by Senator Chris Van Hollen aimed at blocking U.S. arms sales unless it was confirmed that the UAE was not supporting the RSF. Brett McGurk from the White House confirmed that the UAE will not transfer any arms to the RSF and promised a compliance update by January 17.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially ceased its arms supply to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, according to a communication from the White House to U.S. senators on December 19, 2024. This decision follows concerns raised by Senator Chris Van Hollen, who introduced legislation aimed at blocking U.S. arms sales to the UAE unless it was confirmed that such weapons were not being used to support the RSF. In a letter dated December 18, Brett McGurk, White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, assured Senator Van Hollen that the UAE is no longer transferring any arms to the RSF and will not do so in the future.
This issue has been a contentious topic, with allegations from both the Sudanese military and United Nations experts suggesting that the UAE has been involved in supplying arms to the RSF amid ongoing conflicts in Sudan. The RSF has been engaged in clashes with the Sudanese army for more than 18 months, and the UAE has consistently refuted claims of its involvement. McGurk also committed to providing an update by January 17 to assess the reliability of the UAE’s assurances concerning its arms transfers to Sudan.
The legislative effort led by Senator Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs, who introduced a resolution in the House, seeks oversight over arms sales and emphasizes the need for U.S. accountability in foreign military engagements. It is noted that while U.S. law permits senators to trigger votes on disapproval of arms deals, House members lack similar authority, complicating efforts in a divided Congress. Direct actions and statements regarding the UAE’s compliance will be closely monitored as the situation evolves, particularly in light of intense scrutiny from American lawmakers and international observers.
The cessation of arms supplies from the UAE to the RSF in Sudan emerges against a backdrop of intense conflict in the region. The RSF, a paramilitary group, has been actively engaged in violent struggles against the Sudanese military, leading to significant humanitarian crises. Accusations against the UAE suggest that it has been supporting the RSF with weapons, an allegation that the UAE has denied. The U.S. Congress is keen on exercising its authority over arms deals, especially in the wake of emerging transparency and accountability issues surrounding foreign military support.
In summary, the UAE’s halt of arms supplies to the RSF signifies a significant development in U.S.-UAE relations amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding military support in Sudan. This action aligns with legislative measures introduced by U.S. lawmakers seeking to ensure accountability in arms sales. The commitment from the UAE for future compliance will be closely monitored, highlighting the increasing focus on responsible conduct in international arms transactions.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
