UAE Assures US It Will Not Arm Sudan Paramilitary Amid Humanitarian Crisis

The UAE has committed to refrain from arming Sudan’s RSF amid ongoing violence, coinciding with the U.S. pledging $200 million in humanitarian assistance. U.S. lawmakers have noted that this promise may influence a $1.2 billion arms deal with the UAE, emphasizing the importance of monitoring the situation closely as humanitarian needs escalate.

Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) assured United States officials that it would refrain from providing arms to Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), amid ongoing civil conflict in Sudan which has led to severe humanitarian crises. This assurance coincided with the U.S. announcement of an additional $200 million in humanitarian aid for the embattled country, where fighting has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties since April 2023. U.S. lawmakers noted that the UAE’s commitment would lead them to withdraw their opposition to a pending $1.2 billion arms sale involving advanced weaponry to the UAE.

Senator Chris Van Hollen shared a correspondence from the White House emphasizing the UAE’s statements, which claimed, “Despite reports we have received suggesting the contrary has occurred to date, the UAE has informed the administration that it is not now transferring any weapons to the RSF and will not do so going forward.” This letter reinforces the UAE’s long-standing denial of military support to the RSF, which has previously been linked to accusations of arms trafficking.

The complex dynamics of the Sudanese civil war and foreign involvement accentuate the challenges in achieving peace. Lawmakers have expressed that without UAE support, the RSF would face diminished operational capabilities, potentially paving the way for negotiations and a ceasefire. Concurrently, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the urgent humanitarian situation, stressing the need for international attention and action to address the crisis, which threatens to escalate into the largest hunger catastrophe in contemporary history.

Talented humanitarian officials, such as Edem Wosornu, have indicated the substantial financial resources required to alleviate suffering in Sudan, with a call for $4.2 billion to meet the demands of the ongoing crisis effectively. As of now, the bulk of Sudan remains in turmoil, with the RSF gaining control over large territories and the civilian populace experiencing extreme hardships due to the protracted conflict.

The conflict in Sudan has escalated dramatically since April 2023, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis wherein millions are on the brink of famine. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, has been a significant force in the fighting, and reports have surfaced regarding the UAE’s alleged provision of arms to these forces, which the UAE has persistently denied. The U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation and has emphasized the importance of not continuing any arms transfers that could exacerbate the conflict, while concurrently pledging substantial humanitarian aid to mitigate the crisis.

In summary, the UAE has pledged to the United States that it will not supply arms to Sudan’s paramilitary RSF, a commitment that U.S. lawmakers view as critical to stabilizing the situation. This assurance facilitates the potential approval of a significant arms sale to the UAE. The U.S. will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Sudan, responding to a dire crisis affecting millions. However, the international community must remain vigilant and proactive to avert further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the region.

Original Source: www.france24.com