U.S. lawmakers are pushing to block arms sales to the UAE, citing its provision of weapons to Sudan’s RSF amid a civil war. The UAE denies these allegations, emphasizing its humanitarian focus. This conflict has severe implications for Sudan’s population, and the lawmakers seek to prevent further involvement in the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Two U.S. lawmakers, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs, expressed their intention to obstruct arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), asserting that the UAE has been supplying weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war. This assertion comes despite a denial from a UAE official, who emphasized the country’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
The conflict in Sudan escalated following a 2021 coup that ousted the civilian government, leading to a war between the Sudanese army and RSF starting in April 2023, which has resulted in widespread hunger affecting half the population. The lawmakers revealed their findings were based on a briefing from the previous administration and various reports, urging that the U.S. must not overlook the UAE’s actions that contribute to the suffering in Sudan.
In a statement, Senator Van Hollen acknowledged the strategic partnership between the U.S. and the UAE while criticizing the UAE for its role in perpetuating the war. Representative Jacobs added that the U.S. could help stabilize Sudan by halting arms supplies to the UAE, thereby cutting off support to the RSF. The UAE official, however, reiterated that the country does not support either faction involved in the conflict and called for a ceasefire.
U.S. law mandates congressional review of major arms deals, allowing the Senate to vote on disapproval resolutions to block sales; however, House members lack similar powers. Nonetheless, both Van Hollen and Jacobs have introduced legislation to stop a recent arms deal valued at $1.2 billion involving advanced munitions for the UAE, although significant congressional support for their initiative is doubtful due to the UAE’s established position as a security ally in the region. They aim to shed light on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has become one of the world’s most severe disasters.
The backdrop of this discussion includes the civil war in Sudan that erupted in April 2023, following tensions between the Sudanese army and the RSF after their initial alliance in the 2021 coup. The humanitarian situation has significantly deteriorated, leading to widespread hunger. The U.S. has concerns regarding arms sales to the UAE, a key military partner, amidst allegations that such sales are exacerbating the conflict in Sudan. The U.S. Congress holds the power to review and block arms deals, making the lawmakers’ actions a critical aspect of U.S. foreign policy regarding the conflict.
In conclusion, the U.S. lawmakers’ efforts to block arms sales to the UAE stem from concerns about its involvement in the Sudan conflict, viewed as a complicating factor in the humanitarian crisis. Despite the UAE’s assurances, the situation continues to prompt debate over U.S. military support and its implications for regional stability. The fate of legislative efforts remains uncertain as political dynamics may favor longstanding alliances over immediate humanitarian concerns.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
