Democratic Lawmakers Seek to Block UAE Arms Sales Over RSF Support in Sudan
Democratic lawmakers, led by Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Sara Jacobs, have warned President Biden that they will seek to block $1.2 billion in arms sales to the UAE if it is confirmed that the UAE is supporting the RSF in Sudan, which is implicated in severe human rights abuses amid the ongoing civil war.
Democratic lawmakers in the United States have expressed their intention to impede arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to allegations surrounding the UAE’s support of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs addressed President Biden in a formal letter dated December 2, emphasizing their concern regarding the material support, including arms and ammunition, allegedly provided by the UAE to the RSF, which plays a significant role in the ongoing civil war in Sudan.
The lawmakers indicated that unless President Biden certifies that the UAE is no longer aiding the RSF, they will pursue a resolution of disapproval against a proposed $1.2 billion arms deal involving offensive weapons. They assert, “If your administration provides written confirmation that the UAE is not supplying the RSF with weapons and has committed to refrain from future such transfers, then we will have accomplished our goal and will not need to call for a vote on this legislation in Congress.”
Since the conflict’s onset in April 2023, the humanitarian situation in Sudan has worsened dramatically, citing the United Nations as stating it has created one of the most severe displacement crises in the world. The conflict has led to the displacement of over eight million people internally, with more than three million fleeing to other countries, exacerbating the food security situation.
Political observers have criticized the Biden administration for its perceived lack of action regarding the UAE’s involvement, especially given the heightened focus on the Israel-Palestine conflict and tensions in Lebanon. Reports from the U.S. indicate that the UAE may be complicity enabling the RSF’s actions in Sudan, which have included documented rights violations and allegations of sexual violence. The lawmakers referenced previous public challenges to the UAE’s role by U.S. officials, calling for a more measured approach to arms sales while the UAE allegedly supports a faction partly responsible for the humanitarian disaster in Sudan. They remarked, “The US should not be sending weapons to the UAE so long as it is aiding and abetting a group that is one of the primary drivers of the humanitarian disaster in Sudan.”
Despite the UAE’s denial of the allegations, calls for transparency and accountability persist. The ongoing geopolitical dynamics, where the Sudanese military receives backing from various nations including Iran and Russia, further complicate the situation. The Biden administration’s recent designation of the UAE as a major defense partner may raise concerns regarding the potential escalation of arms sales during a critical humanitarian crisis.
The backdrop to this unfolding political tension stems from the civil conflict in Sudan that erupted in April 2023, characterized by violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. Amidst this backdrop, the Rapid Support Forces, which are alleged to receive support from the UAE, are accused of committing severe human rights abuses, including ethnic cleansing and sexual violence. This situation has sparked a significant displacement crisis, with the humanitarian situation deteriorating rapidly, leading to international scrutiny of nations allegedly supporting such factions. The stance of U.S. lawmakers reflects broader concerns regarding foreign arms sales and their consequences in conflict zones, highlighting the need for accountability in international relations and arms trade.
In summary, Democratic lawmakers are poised to take legislative action to halt proposed arms sales to the UAE until clear commitments are made regarding its support for the RSF in Sudan. The worsening humanitarian crisis and accusations of rights violations present a compelling case for the U.S. government to reevaluate its arms sales policies. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of geopolitical alliances and the moral implications of foreign military support in conflict scenarios.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
