The UAE has pledged to halt arms transfers to Sudanese paramilitary forces, prompting US lawmakers to reconsider blocking a $1.2 billion arms deal. The UAE claims to have ceased support for the RSF, whose conflict has resulted in considerable humanitarian crises.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly assured the United States that it has ceased supplying weapons to paramilitary forces in Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict. This initiative comes amidst increasing criticism in Washington regarding the UAE’s involvement in arming groups such as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). US lawmakers, who had expressed concern over arms sales to the UAE, indicated that they would withdraw their efforts to block a substantial $1.2 billion deal following these assurances.
Senator Chris Van Hollen released communications from the Biden administration affirming that the UAE would not transfer any further weaponry to the RSF. Brett McGurk, the White House’s middle east policy coordinator, stated that the UAE had informed them of its commitment to halt such transfers. Van Hollen emphasized his intention to use this assurance as leverage to alleviate the violent situation in Sudan and indicated that he would take action should the UAE fail to meet its commitments.
The backdrop to these developments includes the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 11 million individuals since April 2023. The RSF has been a dominant player in this conflict, frequently accused of receiving foreign military support, particularly from the UAE, which has vehemently denied such claims. Previously, United Nations experts had labeled allegations of the UAE supplying arms to the RSF through Chad as “credible,” raising further concerns among US lawmakers about the humanitarian impact of such military assistance.
In summary, the UAE’s commitment to refrain from arming Sudanese paramilitaries appears to be a diplomatic move aimed at alleviating international pressure and sustaining arms sales from the United States. US lawmakers, while skeptical, are willing to monitor the situation closely and take necessary actions should there be any violation of these commitments. The outcome of this situation bears significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the regional stability.
Original Source: www.france24.com
