The UAE has assured the U.S. it will not arm Sudan’s paramilitary forces, coinciding with the U.S. announcing $200 million in aid amidst a severe humanitarian crisis. U.S. lawmakers dropped efforts to block an arms sale to the UAE, contingent on these assurances regarding its actions towards the RSF. The situation in Sudan remains grave, with millions at risk of famine and a pressing need for humanitarian assistance.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has assured the United States that it will refrain from supplying arms to Sudan’s paramilitary forces amid growing concerns regarding the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan. According to U.S. lawmakers, this commitment came as the Biden administration declared an additional $200 million in humanitarian aid to address the dire situation in Sudan, which has been experiencing unprecedented humanitarian challenges, resulting in significant loss of life since the onset of fighting in April 2023.
Two U.S. lawmakers indicated that the UAE’s promise would allow them to withdraw efforts to block a substantial arms deal worth $1.2 billion involving advanced weaponry to the Gulf state. Senator Chris Van Hollen released a letter from the White House containing reassurances from the UAE regarding their dealings with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The letter, signed by Middle East policy coordinator Brett McGurk, stated, “The UAE has informed the administration that it is not now transferring any weapons to the RSF and will not do so going forward.”
Despite the UAE’s longstanding denial of supplying arms to the RSF, the country has previously been associated with this paramilitary group due to their joint involvement in the conflict against Yemen’s Huthi rebels. The UAE’s embassy did not provide immediate comments in response to inquiries about the situation. McGurk has pledged to deliver a report on the credibility of these assurances by January 17.
Senator Van Hollen expressed his support for the White House’s intervention and stated his intention to re-evaluate arms sales should the UAE fail to uphold their commitment. His colleague, Representative Sara Jacobs, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the UAE’s withdrawal from active support would diminish the RSF’s capacity to continue their combat operations, thereby increasing the potential for negotiations and a ceasefire.
Furthermore, there are grave humanitarian concerns in Sudan with nearly 1.7 million individuals facing famine conditions, as indicated by the World Food Program. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgent need for international attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan, as he announced an additional $200 million relief package. The total humanitarian aid required for the forthcoming year is projected at $4.2 billion, reflecting the dramatically insufficient aid currently reaching those in need.
As the conflict persists, much of Darfur remains under the control of the RSF, along with significant territories in Kordofan and parts of central Sudan. The situation remains precarious, especially as clashes continue around the capital city, Khartoum.
The UAE’s involvement in the Sudanese conflict has raised alarms among U.S. lawmakers and humanitarian organizations, prompting concerns about its alleged support for the RSF. Following reports and accusations regarding arms transfers to this paramilitary group amidst a brutal civil war that has inflicted widespread humanitarian crises, the U.S. has moved to ensure accountability by seeking UAE commitments to cease possible support. The U.S. government’s response includes a significant humanitarian aid package aimed at alleviating the widespread suffering in the region, which has escalated since major conflicts erupted in April 2023.
In summary, the UAE’s commitment to not arm Sudan’s paramilitary groups signals a significant diplomatic engagement from the United States to curb the ongoing violence in the region. The ongoing crisis, characterized by severe humanitarian conditions, demands robust international oversight and aid. The pledges made by the UAE and the U.S. may pave the way for a potential resolution to the conflict, contingent upon compliance and effective monitoring of arms transfers.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
