American officials have informed Sudan’s President that the U.S. will push the UAE to withdraw military support from the RSF, implicated in severe human rights abuses during the civil war. During his UN address, Burhan called for international accountability against the RSF and expressed willingness for peace negotiations without preconditions, while emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
In a recent strategic dialogue, American officials conveyed to Sudan’s President Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan their commitment to pressuring the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to cease arms supplies to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rebel faction heavily implicated in egregious human rights violations during Sudan’s ongoing civil war. Burhan, who attended the UN General Assembly in New York on September 26, expressed his hope that the U.S. would intensify its efforts to halt this military support, stating, “They promised me they will do that.” The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has escalated into a severe humanitarian crisis, with reports indicating that approximately 26 million individuals are facing acute hunger and over 10 million displaced, including many children. Burhan emphasized the need for international intervention, questioning the global community’s lack of decisive action against groups like the RSF, which he described as engaging in terrorist activities against the state. Furthermore, he asserted that the RSF should be designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations. Despite ongoing hostilities, Burhan has signaled a willingness to engage in peace negotiations, provided that these discussions occur without preconditions. He criticized past proposals for not aligning with Sudan’s national vision and maintaining national unity amid the crisis. Evidence suggests that the UAE’s support has been instrumental in the RSF’s military capabilities. Reports and classified documents indicate that the RSF has received components for military operations, including weapons and intelligence, from the UAE, despite the enforcement of a UN arms embargo. Additionally, there are credible allegations regarding the exploitation of humanitarian organizations as conduits for weapon smuggling. Efforts to deliver humanitarian aid have been significantly hampered by the conflict, with local and international agencies facing bureaucratic challenges imposed by all parties involved in the fighting. The plight of women and children, in particular, has been exacerbated by these conditions, as highlighted by recent UN reports. In tandem with U.S.-UAE discussions aimed at managing Middle Eastern tensions, the call to halt external support for the RSF was echoed by the European Union and other international figures. The ongoing humanitarian disaster in Sudan demands coordinated global efforts to mitigate the impact of the conflict and support affected populations.
Sudan has been engulfed in civil war since April 2023 as the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) clash with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF, originally a militia, has gained notoriety for their brutal tactics, including allegations of genocide. The conflict has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, causing widespread food insecurity and mass displacement. The role of external parties, particularly the UAE, in providing military support to the RSF has fueled the ongoing violence and restricted humanitarian access. The international community, while highlighting the crisis, faces challenges in crafting a unified response that addresses both the immediate humanitarian needs and the underlying political strife.
The situation in Sudan is dire, with the ongoing conflict leading to extreme humanitarian challenges and demands for international action. Pressure from the United States on the UAE to cease support for the RSF may be a crucial step toward alleviating the violence and fostering conditions for peace. President Burhan’s readiness to negotiate highlights a potential opening for diplomatic engagement, yet the complexities surrounding external military support and the humanitarian crises necessitate urgent and coordinated global efforts for resolution.
Original Source: www.passblue.com
