The UAE has pledged to halt arms supplies to Sudan’s paramilitary groups, leading U.S. lawmakers to suspend efforts against a $1.2 billion arms sale. This commitment is part of broader concerns about the RSF’s involvement in ongoing violence in Sudan, prompting lawmakers to monitor the UAE’s adherence closely as potential impacts on peace negotiations are considered.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has committed to the United States that it will cease supplying arms to paramilitary groups involved in Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict, according to U.S. lawmakers. This promise led to these lawmakers suspending their efforts to obstruct a proposed $1.2 billion arms sale to the UAE. Senator Chris Van Hollen released a letter from Brett McGurk of the White House, which confirmed UAE assurances regarding the cessation of weapons transfers to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Van Hollen had previously aimed to leverage weapon sales to mitigate the violence in Sudan, warning that he would reconsider his stance should the UAE fail to comply with its pledges. Representative Sara Jacobs echoed these sentiments, pledging to monitor the UAE’s adherence closely, emphasizing that a reduction in UAE support would likely enhance the prospects for negotiations and potential ceasefires. The UAE has consistently denied allegations of supporting the RSF, which has been involved in violence leading to significant casualties and displacement in Sudan since April 2023. Reports from UN experts have suggested that the UAE may have previously been involved in supplying arms to the RSF, reinforcing lawmakers’ concerns. The proposed arms sale to the UAE includes advanced military equipment, with historical context underscoring shifts in U.S. defense policy following the political transition from the Trump administration to the Biden administration, which has sought to impose stricter oversight on such sales.
The United Arab Emirates’ involvement in Sudan’s internal conflict dates back to significant upheaval initiated in April 2023, leading to widespread loss of life and displacement. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, has been at the forefront of violence against the Sudanese military. U.S. lawmakers have expressed serious concerns over the UAE’s alleged support for RSF operations. Previous investigations by UN experts have indicated credible evidence of the UAE providing arms through neighboring countries, complicating the current geopolitical landscape. Amidst the civil war, U.S. policymakers are weighing military sales to Gulf states while demanding adherence to international obligations concerning arms checkpoints and the cessation of violence.
In summary, the UAE’s assurances to the United States regarding the cessation of arms supplies to Sudan’s paramilitaries are seen as a pivotal development in efforts to curtail violence in the region. U.S. lawmakers have agreed to pause their objections to military sales while monitoring the situation closely. The outcome of this commitment from the UAE could significantly influence the ongoing conflict, potentially leading to increased dialogue and peace negotiations if the RSF’s capabilities are diminished. The broader implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East are also noteworthy, particularly as military sales come under scrutiny for their links to human rights repercussions in conflict zones.
Original Source: www.france24.com
