U.S. lawmakers Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs are working to block arms sales to the UAE, alleging that the country supplies weapons to Sudan’s RSF amid ongoing conflict. The UAE has denied these claims, stating its focus on humanitarian efforts in Sudan. While efforts to halt arms sales may lack congressional support, the lawmakers aim to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Two U.S. lawmakers aim to obstruct arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), citing evidence that the UAE has supplied weaponry to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amidst Sudan’s civil conflict. While the lawmakers assert their claims are supported by intelligence from the Biden administration, a UAE official has firmly rejected these allegations, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to humanitarian efforts in Sudan.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which had previously collaborated in a 2021 coup. This internal strife has caused widespread hunger, affecting half of the population. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs are advocating for U.S. actions to cease the UAE’s arms sales, arguing it can lead to greater stability in Sudan.
Concerns regarding arms deals come as U.S. law mandates a review process for significant transactions. The Biden administration communicated intentions to provide an assessment regarding the UAE’s claims of not supplying arms to the RSF, due by January 17. Historically, the UAE has been a substantial customer of U.S. military equipment, and recent deals approved by the Biden administration include the sale of rocket systems worth approximately $1.2 billion.
In response to the lawmakers’ efforts, which included a filed legislation in both congressional chambers, it is predicted that substantial legislative support will not be forthcoming. This is due, in part, to the longstanding recognition of the UAE as a crucial partner in regional security by both Republican and Democratic administrations. Nonetheless, Van Hollen and Jacobs strive to raise awareness regarding the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan, which is among the gravest in the world.
The article discusses the escalating conflict in Sudan driven by a civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF. This conflict, which began in April 2023, follows a previous power struggle that led to military rule in 2021. The situation has worsened humanitarian conditions, prompting U.S. lawmakers to investigate the UAE’s alleged involvement in providing arms to the RSF, thereby prolonging the conflict. The response from the UAE and the political complexities surrounding U.S. arms sales illustrate the challenges faced in obtaining a ceasefire and resolution to the conflict.
The assertion by U.S. lawmakers that the UAE is supplying weapons to the RSF is met with a firm denial from the UAE government, which focuses instead on addressing humanitarian issues in Sudan. While legislative efforts to block arms sales face significant political hurdles, the actions by Senators Van Hollen and Jacobs underscore a growing concern over U.S. foreign military sales and their possible implications on global humanitarian crises. The situation in Sudan remains dire and calls for urgent international attention.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
