UAE Commits to Cease Arms Supply to Sudanese Paramilitaries as U.S. Increases Aid
The UAE has assured U.S. lawmakers it will not arm paramilitaries in Sudan as the U.S. announces $200 million in aid. This follows past accusations of arms transfers to Sudan’s RSF. Key lawmakers pledged to oversee compliance, highlighting the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), facing scrutiny from United States lawmakers, has assured the U.S. government that it will not provide arms to paramilitaries involved in the ongoing civil war in Sudan. This commitment coincides with the announcement of $200 million in additional aid to Sudan, a country currently experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian crises worldwide, with countless fatalities attributed to the ongoing conflict since April 2023.
Key U.S. lawmakers stated that the assurance from the UAE has led to a decision to withdraw their efforts to halt $1.2 billion in planned sales of advanced weaponry to the Gulf nation. Senator Chris Van Hollen disclosed that he received a letter from the White House, which outlined the UAE’s stance regarding its collaboration with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The letter, signed by Brett McGurk, the White House Coordinator for Middle East Policy, included a statement from the UAE asserting that it has not provided weaponry to the RSF nor intends to do so in the future.
Notably, the UAE has consistently refuted any allegations of supplying arms to the RSF, with whom it has previously cooperated in military endeavors against Yemen’s Huthi rebels. McGurk has committed to evaluating the reliability of the UAE’s assurances by January 17, preempting President Biden’s transition back to Donald Trump. Senator Van Hollen commended this intervention while threatening renewed opposition to future arms sales if the UAE fails to uphold its promise.
Representative Sara Jacobs, who spearheaded a similar initiative in the House of Representatives, affirmed her intention to oversee compliance with the UAE’s commitments. She posited that without the UAE’s support, the RSF would be less capable of sustaining its military engagements, consequently facilitating negotiations and the prospect of a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the World Food Program has cautioned that Sudan may soon confront one of the largest hunger crises in history, warning that millions face the threat of famine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgent need for global attention towards Sudan’s humanitarian plight during a recent UN Security Council meeting. He announced the additional funding while highlighting alarming instances of starvation among the populace.
In this context, international experts monitoring an arms embargo in Sudan have raised credible concerns about the UAE’s alleged arms transfers to the RSF through Chad. Amid the ongoing conflict, much of the Darfur region and parts of Kordofan are under RSF control, with the regular army maintaining its foothold in the north and east. The capital, Khartoum, remains a battleground as clashes continue between opposing forces.
The civil war in Sudan, which escalated in April 2023, has resulted in widespread violence and profound humanitarian needs, prompting international concern. The UAE, which has been linked to the RSF due to previous military collaborations, is under pressure from U.S. lawmakers to refrain from further military involvement in Sudan. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is exacerbated by severe food shortages and displacements, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic interventions and humanitarian aid.
The United Arab Emirates has publicly committed not to arm Sudanese paramilitaries amid rising concerns from U.S. lawmakers, coinciding with a significant infusion of humanitarian aid to address Sudan’s worsening crisis. Lawmakers are prepared to scrutinize the UAE’s adherence to its promises while international agencies warn of impending famine conditions in the region. Continued monitoring and diplomatic engagement will be crucial in mitigating the conflict and supporting the populace in need.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
