UAE Commits to Cease Arms Supply to Sudanese Paramilitaries Amid Conflict

The UAE has assured the U.S. it will no longer provide weapons to Sudan’s paramilitary forces, prompting lawmakers to withdraw efforts to block an arms sale worth $1.2 billion. The promises were made following concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s civil war, with lawmakers pledging to monitor the UAE’s compliance closely.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made assurances to the United States that it has halted its supply of weapons to paramilitary forces in Sudan amidst ongoing civil conflict. This commitment was communicated to U.S. lawmakers, who subsequently decided to withdraw their attempt to obstruct a $1.2 billion arms sale to the UAE. According to a letter from Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for Middle East policy, the UAE has stated it will not provide any further arms to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, which have been implicated in severe violence that has led to substantial casualties and displacement since the outbreak of war in April 2023. Senator Chris Van Hollen emphasized the importance of using arms sales as leverage to mitigate violence, warning that he would reconsider blocking arms sales if the UAE does not adhere to its vow. Fellow Democrat, Representative Sara Jacobs, expressed her intention to oversee the UAE’s compliance closely, suggesting that the RSF’s capabilities would be significantly hampered without UAE support, which could lead to more favorable conditions for negotiations and a potential ceasefire.

The situation in Sudan has escalated dramatically since April 2023, resulting in a civil war characterized by widespread violence and humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and tens of thousands dead. The U.S. Congress has expressed increasing concern regarding foreign arms transfers that may exacerbate the conflict, particularly involving the UAE’s alleged support for the RSF. In this context, U.S. lawmakers are scrutinizing arms sales to the UAE, seeking to leverage these agreements to influence the dynamics of the conflict positively. The UAE’s commitments are crucial in shaping future arms discussions, especially given the history of arms sales approved during former President Trump’s administration, which included high-value military equipment such as F-35 jets and drones.

The UAE’s promise to cease arms deliveries to Sudanese paramilitaries represents a significant diplomatic development, potentially influencing the trajectory of the civil conflict in Sudan. U.S. lawmakers remain vigilant in monitoring compliance with this assurance, emphasizing the critical nature of these commitments in addressing the humanitarian situation. As the situation unfolds, the geopolitical implications of U.S. arms sales and foreign policy strategies in the region will continue to be of paramount importance.

Original Source: www.france24.com