UAE Commits to Cease Arms Support for Sudan Paramilitaries Amid U.S. Scrutiny

The UAE has committed to halting arms transfers to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces to assuage U.S. concerns over violence in Sudan. In response, U.S. lawmakers have reconsidered blocking a $1.2 billion arms sale to the UAE. Assurance reports are expected to assess compliance by January 17, while suspicions regarding past armaments continue to cast a shadow over UAE’s denials.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has assured the United States that it has ceased supplying weapons to the Sudanese paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan. This commitment aims to assuage U.S. lawmakers’ concerns, leading them to reconsider their efforts to block a substantial arms deal valued at $1.2 billion to the UAE. Senator Chris Van Hollen disclosed this information after receiving a response from the White House confirming UAE’s promises regarding its arms transfers.

Senator Van Hollen highlighted that the UAE’s assurances were critical in his use of arms as leverage to mitigate the rampant violence in Sudan. He expressed that if the UAE reneges on its promise, he intends to resume efforts to obstruct the arms sales. Likewise, Representative Sara Jacobs noted her determination to closely oversee the UAE’s compliance, emphasizing that without UAE’s military support, the RSF would be unable to sustain its warfare capacity, increasing the likelihood of negotiations and a possible ceasefire.

The UAE has consistently denied allegations regarding its support to the RSF, a group that has been implicated in extensive violence resulting in numerous casualties and widespread displacement since the eruption of the conflict in April 2023. Although last year’s United Nations reports indicated credible claims that the UAE had supplied weapons to the RSF via Chad, UAE officials have maintained their innocence in the matter.

As the Biden administration evaluates the UAE’s compliance, a report detailing the credibility of these assurances is expected by January 17. This development comes amidst a larger context of shifting U.S. foreign policy strategies concerning arms sales in relation to regional stability and conflict resolution in Sudan.

The relationship between the United States and the United Arab Emirates has come under scrutiny due to the latter’s potential involvement in supplying arms to the Rapid Support Forces amidst the Sudanese civil war. The conflict has caused significant humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and countless casualties reported. The U.S. has expressed concerns regarding the ramifications of such arms sales on exacerbating violence in the region, prompting lawmakers to explore diplomatic avenues to leverage U.S. military support as a means of fostering compliance.

In conclusion, the UAE’s commitment to halt arms transfers to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces reflects a significant development in U.S.-UAE relations, particularly regarding arms sales and regional stability. As U.S. lawmakers respond to this assurance, the effectiveness of these promises in curbing violence and promoting a resolution to the conflict in Sudan remains to be seen. The situation continues to evolve, and the international community is closely monitoring compliance and the implications for peace in the region.

Original Source: thedefensepost.com