The United Arab Emirates has committed to not arming paramilitaries in Sudan to alleviate concerns from U.S. lawmakers. This promise comes alongside the U.S. announcement of an additional $200 million for humanitarian aid amid a severe crisis in Sudan. Lawmakers have suspended their attempt to block arms sales to the UAE, contingent upon compliance with this commitment.
In response to concerns raised in Washington, the United Arab Emirates has assured the United States that it will refrain from providing arms to Sudanese paramilitaries engaged in the ongoing civil conflict. This pledge coincided with the U.S. announcement of an additional $200 million in aid to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has seen tens of thousands of deaths since April 2023. Following this assurance, U.S. lawmakers decided to withdraw their opposition to a $1.2 billion arms deal with the Emirates. Senator Chris Van Hollen disclosed a letter from the White House, outlining the UAE’s commitment not to transfer arms to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Despite prior reports suggesting otherwise, the letter asserted that the UAE’s transfers are not happening currently and will not occur in the future. The UAE has consistently denied accusations of supplying weapons to the RSF, with which it has been associated during conflicts in Yemen. Emphasizing the need for accountability, lawmakers expressed a resolve to monitor compliance closely and indicated that any failure to uphold this commitment would trigger renewed efforts to halt arms sales to the Emirates.
The civil war in Sudan has escalated into a significant humanitarian catastrophe, drawing international concern and necessitating foreign assistance. The U.S. response to the situation has included financial aid, alongside scrutiny of foreign involvement in the conflict, particularly regarding arms supplies. The United Arab Emirates, previously linked to supplying arms to the RSF, has faced increased pressure from U.S. lawmakers, especially with regard to potential arms sales that could exacerbate the violence in Sudan. By securing a commitment from the UAE to abstain from military support, U.S. officials aim to curtail the RSF’s capabilities and pave the way for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
The UAE’s pledge not to arm Sudanese paramilitaries reflects a critical shift in regional dynamics amid the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan. The commitment, articulated during discussions with U.S. lawmakers, aims to foster peace while addressing a severe humanitarian crisis. As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, the international community, including the United States, remains focused on ensuring that those contributing to the conflict are held accountable and that efforts toward negotiation and stability are prioritized.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
