The White House has announced that the UAE has halted arms supplies to Sudan’s RSF in response to U.S. pressures. This follows legislative actions led by Senator Chris Van Hollen aimed at ensuring oversight of U.S. arms sales to the UAE. The UAE has pledged to adhere to these assurances, which will be monitored for compliance.
On December 19, 2024, the White House announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has halted its arms supply to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) due to concerns raised by the United States. This decision follows actions initiated by Senator Chris Van Hollen, who proposed legislation on November 21 aimed at blocking U.S. arms sales to the UAE unless it could be confirmed that such arms were not being routed to the RSF. Both Senator Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs have taken legislative action to monitor this situation through resolutions of disapproval in their respective chambers.
In a recent communication to Senator Van Hollen dated December 18, Brett McGurk, the White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, conveyed that the UAE has committed to not transferring any weapons to the RSF currently or in the future. He pledged to deliver a comprehensive evaluation regarding the UAE’s adherence to this commitment by January 17, 2025, after observing credible indicators of compliance. The UAE has faced allegations of supporting the RSF in its ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army, although it has consistently denied such claims despite persistent accusations from both the Sudanese army and UN experts.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese army and the RSF has drawn international scrutiny and concern, particularly regarding the role of foreign powers in supplying arms to combatants. The UAE’s alleged involvement has been a contentious issue, raising alarms in Washington about the potential implications of such support. Legislative efforts in the U.S. Congress reflect a growing apprehension regarding arms transfers and their use in exacerbating conflict. The requirement for a congressional review that comes with U.S. arms deals underscores the friction between the executive branch and legislative intentions, particularly with regards to foreign military aid. The political maneuverings reflect the layered complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, especially concerning relationships with strategic allies like the UAE.
In summary, the UAE’s cessation of arms supplies to Sudan’s RSF marks a significant step resulting from U.S. legislative pressure and underscores the complexities of international arms relations. The commitment from the UAE, as shared by the White House, will be closely monitored for compliance as part of ongoing U.S. efforts to prevent further conflict in Sudan. The outcome of this situation not only influences the dynamics in Sudan but also reflects the broader implications of U.S. congressional oversight concerning arms deals involving allied nations.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
