UAE Commits to Cease Arms Transfers to Sudanese Paramilitaries…

The UAE has pledged to halt any arms transfers to Sudan’s paramilitary RSF, prompting U.S. lawmakers to suspend a proposed arms sales blockade. Senators Van Hollen and Jacobs emphasized the importance of monitoring the UAE’s compliance with this promise. Previous UN evaluations have deemed accusations of the UAE supporting the RSF credible amidst a devastating civil conflict in Sudan.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has assured the United States that it will not arm the paramilitary forces in Sudan, specifically the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), amidst the ongoing civil war in the country. This assurance is significant as it led U.S. lawmakers to abandon their efforts to block a substantial arms sale to the UAE, which amounted to $1.2 billion. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, both Democrats, reported this development following a letter from the White House confirming the UAE’s commitment to ceasing weapon transfers to the RSF. Senator Van Hollen has expressed his intent to monitor the situation closely and has indicated that he will resume efforts to hinder arms sales if the UAE fails to uphold its promise. The UAE has historically denied supporting the RSF, although previous UN reports deemed allegations of their involvement credible. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, displacing millions and causing extensive casualties since it escalated in April 2023.

The UAE has faced scrutiny regarding its involvement in the Sudan conflict, particularly concerning support for the RSF. The civil war in Sudan has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, killing tens of thousands and displacing over 11 million individuals since April 2023. In Washington, lawmakers have been pressing for accountability and oversight regarding arms sales to the UAE, especially in light of reported evidence that suggested the UAE had previously supplied weapons to the RSF via Chad. The formal assurances from the UAE are part of diplomatic efforts to mitigate violence and foster potential negotiations for peace in the region.

The UAE’s promise to cease arming Sudanese paramilitaries marks a pivotal shift in the diplomatic landscape regarding U.S. arms sales and involvement in the Sudan conflict. While this commitment has prompted U.S. lawmakers to temporarily withdraw efforts to block arms sales, the actual effectiveness and reliability of these assurances will be scrutinized in the coming months. Continuous monitoring will be essential to ensure adherence to the promise, and failure to comply could lead to renewed legislative actions against arms sales to the UAE.

Original Source: www.france24.com