Democratic lawmakers threaten to obstruct $1.2 billion in arms sales to the UAE, alleging support for Sudan’s RSF. Senators Van Hollen and Jacobs demand certification from President Biden that the UAE does not aid the RSF, amidst fears of human rights violations as the conflict in Sudan escalates. Criticism grows regarding the U.S. foreign policy approach towards arms sales linked to ethical concerns and humanitarian crises.
In a letter dated December 2, two Democratic lawmakers, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, expressed their intent to impede the sale of offensive arms to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to allegations of the Gulf nation’s support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The lawmakers warned President Biden that they would seek a resolution of disapproval regarding the $1.2 billion arms sale unless he certifies that the UAE is not providing assistance to the RSF, which has been implicated in serious human rights violations amid the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations estimating over eight million people displaced and more than three million seeking refuge abroad. The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has been accused of committing extensive rights abuses, including sexual violence. Despite these allegations, the UAE has denied involvement and maintained its stance against accusations of supporting the RSF, which the United States privately designated as an enabler of the conflict.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for its perceived inaction regarding the UAE’s role in the Sudanese war, especially as it grapples with other international crises, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict. Additionally, several officials expressed discontent over what they see as a double standard in U.S. foreign policy—publicly condemning Russian actions in Ukraine while overlooking the UAE’s actions in Sudan. The Democratic lawmakers articulated their support for maintaining a robust bilateral relationship with the UAE, yet firmly emphasized that arms sales should be contingent upon the UAE ceasing its alleged support for the RSF.
While the lawmakers welcomed previous sanctions imposed on RSF leadership by the Biden administration, they believe more decisive actions are necessary to address the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Sudan and ensure American arms are not contributing to further violence. The situation in Sudan continues to escalate, as both the Sudanese military and RSF are implicated in underlying humanitarian issues.
The United Arab Emirates has been embroiled in regional conflicts, often aligning itself with various factions in civil wars across the Middle East and North Africa. In Sudan, the RSF operates alongside the Sudanese military amid an ongoing civil war, with both sides reportedly committing serious human rights violations. The conflict in Sudan is characterized by widespread displacement and humanitarian crises triggered by the fighting. Amid these dynamics, U.S. arms sales to the UAE have come under scrutiny, particularly given allegations that such arms could empower the RSF. The Biden administration’s approach to foreign military sales increasingly grapples with these ethical concerns as they relate to human rights violations. The conversation surrounding U.S. arms sales is complex, influenced by geopolitical alliances and the U.S. role as a key arms supplier to various nations, including allies such as the UAE. Critics argue that thorough scrutiny of partner nations’ conduct should be a prerequisite for continued arms trading. Nevertheless, support for arms sales often hinges on broader strategic interests, complicating the issue of arms accountability amidst humanitarian concerns.
The stance taken by Democratic lawmakers to potentially block offensive arms sales to the UAE underscores the growing concern over human rights violations associated with U.S. military support. The situation in Sudan, exacerbated by the RSF’s actions and alleged support from the UAE, has prompted calls for greater scrutiny in U.S. arms sales. Lawmakers advocate for a principled approach to foreign military assistance, emphasizing that such partnerships should not condone human rights abuses. The discourse illustrates the complexities of U.S. foreign policy as it navigates between strategic alliances and ethical considerations surrounding arms trade.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
