The United Arab Emirates has assured the U.S. that it has ceased arms supplies to paramilitary forces in Sudan’s civil war, averting a blockage on a $1.2 billion arms sale. U.S. lawmakers are monitoring the UAE’s compliance with this promise, emphasizing its importance in reducing violence and fostering negotiations in Sudan.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently assured the United States that it has ceased supplying arms to paramilitary groups amid the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan. This commitment has been made to address apprehensions expressed by U.S. lawmakers, thus averting a potential halt on a proposed $1.2 billion arms sale to the UAE. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Sara Jacobs are actively monitoring the UAE’s compliance with these assurances, emphasizing the importance of the UAE’s role in reducing violence in Sudan.
This promise was communicated through a letter from Brett McGurk, the White House Coordinator for Middle Eastern Affairs, stating that the UAE is not currently transferring weapons to the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) nor plans to do so in the future. The letter further promised a forthcoming evaluation of the credibility of these assurances.
The lawmakers had previously been leveraging arms sales as a potential influence to mitigate the deadly situation in Sudan, which has resulted in significant loss of life and mass displacement since the conflict intensified in April 2023. The RSF has been engaged in violent clashes with Sudan’s military, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The UAE has a history of denying allegations of supporting the RSF, even in light of conditions suggested by UN experts regarding arms supplies moving from the UAE to Sudan. This assurance appears to be critical for the U.S. legislators aimed at sustainability and peace in the region, positioning diplomacy and negotiations as more feasible outcomes.
As discussions regarding arms sales continue, it remains to be seen how closely the UAE will adhere to its commitments. Notably, these developments occur against the backdrop of previous U.S. arms agreements with the UAE, particularly during the Trump administration, which had promised advanced military technology and support in return for diplomatic recognition of Israel.
The recent promises made by the UAE stem from ongoing concerns around its involvement in the Sudanese civil war, which has led to severe humanitarian impacts including widespread casualties and displacement. The U.S. has deliberated on an arms embargo against the UAE, especially given its presumed support of the RSF, which has engaged in violent confrontations with the Sudanese army. The situation necessitates scrutiny of military supplies and aims to shift the dynamics of the conflict toward negotiation and peace processes. U.S. lawmakers are particularly vigilant about arms sales to the UAE, indicating that future transactions will be contingent on their observance of these promises to halt arms supplies to conflicting parties in Sudan.
In summary, the UAE has committed to not supplying arms to Sudan’s paramilitary forces, a promise made to alleviate U.S. concerns and avoid blocking a significant arms sale. Lawmakers like Chris Van Hollen and Sara Jacobs are monitoring this situation closely, tying the UAE’s compliance to longer-term strategies for peace in Sudan. The seriousness of this commitment could potentially redefine the humanitarian outlook in a region plagued by violence, depending on the UAE’s adherence and reliability of their statements.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
