The United Arab Emirates has assured U.S. lawmakers that it will cease supplying arms to Sudan’s paramilitary forces, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This promise has influenced the decision of lawmakers to lift their attempts to obstruct a $1.2 billion arms deal with the UAE. They plan to monitor the UAE’s compliance with this commitment to mitigate violence in Sudan.
In response to concerns from U.S. lawmakers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stated it will no longer supply weapons to Sudan’s paramilitary forces engaged in the ongoing civil conflict. Lawmakers, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, noted that this commitment from the UAE has led them to withdraw their efforts to block a significant military sales agreement, amounting to $1.2 billion. The statement was supported by a letter from Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for Middle East policy, emphasizing assurances that weapon transfers to the RSF would not proceed in the future. However, Senator Van Hollen has indicated that if the UAE does not adhere to this promise, he will reconsider legislative actions to halt arms sales.
Additionally, Representative Sara Jacobs expressed her intent to closely monitor the UAE’s compliance, stating that diminished military support for the RSF could facilitate negotiations for peace and a ceasefire in Sudan. The UAE has consistently denied allegations of arming the RSF, amidst ongoing scrutiny from international bodies regarding its actions in the region. Prior reports from U.N. experts regarding a credible arms embargo violation have raised red flags about the UAE’s engagement with the RSF, which has been responsible for substantial violence and displacement in Sudan since the onset of the conflict in April 2023.
The backdrop of the UAE’s commitment to halt arms transfers lies in the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan due to civil strife between the National Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Reports indicate that the conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities and displacing over 11 million individuals. In light of these developments, U.S. lawmakers have exerted pressure on the UAE amidst concerns of its alleged support for the RSF. The UAE’s solid diplomatic ties with the United States add complexity to the situation, as the Biden administration seeks stronger oversight on military sales that had previously been established under former President Trump, which involved advanced weaponry purchases.
In conclusion, the UAE’s recent assurances to cease arming Sudan’s RSF represent a significant development in U.S.-UAE relations and a potential step towards mitigating the violence in Sudan. U.S. lawmakers remain vigilant, promising to monitor compliance closely, while the unfolding situation emphasizes the need for careful diplomatic engagement and oversight concerning military sales and regional stability.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
