US Lawmakers Accuse UAE of Continued Arms Support for Sudan’s RSF
US lawmakers have accused the UAE of violating arms transfer commitments to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, which are implicated in genocide. Senator Van Hollen criticized the UAE’s continued support and pledged to block future arms sales. The RSF has been linked to serious human rights violations in Sudan, prompting international outcry and sanctions from the US. Historical ties between the UAE and the RSF complicate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Two United States lawmakers have accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of violating its commitments by continuing to supply arms to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group accused by Washington of genocide. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs expressed their concerns following briefings from Biden administration officials, suggesting that the UAE had not adhered to assurances made regarding military support to the RSF.
Senator Van Hollen emphasized the importance of the United States not engaging in weapons transfers to nations that support the RSF and its alleged genocidal actions. He stated, “It is imperative that the United States not provide weapons to countries that are in turn providing military support to the RSF and complicit in its genocidal actions.”
Both lawmakers expressed their intention to block any arms sales to the UAE initiated during former President Donald Trump’s administration, reinforcing their commitment to advocating for peace and accountability in Sudan. Representative Jacobs stated, “I will try to block any future offensive arms sale to the UAE in a push for peace, aid, justice and accountability for the people of Sudan.”
The controversy comes amidst reports from the State Department, which accused the RSF of engaging in systematic abuses against Darfur’s non-Arab population, including killings and sexual assaults. Even though the UAE has persistently denied these allegations, United Nations experts affirm their credibility, sparking international condemnation.
A historical context reveals the RSF’s ties with the UAE, stemming from joint military actions against Iranian-backed groups in Yemen. The involvement of various international players, including Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and Russia, further complicates the ongoing conflict between rival generals in Sudan, which has resulted in significant humanitarian crises and loss of life.
In his final remarks, Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted the unfitness of both generals to lead Sudan and imposed sanctions on them, although US officials suggest that both factions remain optimistic about military success. Amidst this backdrop, Sudan’s army claimed to have broken a siege on its headquarters that had lasted since the onset of the civil strife in April 2023.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has escalated since April 2023, drawing international concerns over human rights abuses, particularly by the RSF. The UAE’s alleged military support to this paramilitary group, despite prior assurances, has sparked significant backlash from US lawmakers. This situation represents the intersection of domestic political decisions on arms sales and international humanitarian obligations, raising questions about the responsibilities of countries in conflict zones.
The statements from US lawmakers underscore serious concerns regarding the UAE’s ongoing arms supplies to the RSF, violating previous commitments. The implications of these actions extend to broader geopolitical dynamics and highlight the urgent need for accountability in the ongoing Sudanese conflict. US officials and lawmakers are calling for restraint in military engagements that may support alleged genocidal actions, promoting a focus on peace and humanitarian assistance.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
