US lawmakers claim the UAE has breached commitments by arming Sudan’s RSF, which the US has accused of genocide. Concerns were heightened during discussions with Biden administration officials. Both lawmakers vow to prevent future arms sales to the UAE, emphasizing the need for accountability and peace for Sudan’s displaced population.
Two United States lawmakers have raised concerns regarding the continued military support that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is providing to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Following assurances made by the UAE to the Biden administration, which stated it would not transfer weapons to these paramilitary forces, new reports suggest the UAE has failed to uphold these commitments. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs have indicated that the UAE is still violating these promises by supplying arms to the RSF, accused by Washington of committing genocide in Sudan.
The two lawmakers’ concerns escalated after meetings with Biden administration officials before their departure from office. Senator Van Hollen 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.” Representative Jacobs pledged to block future arms sales to the UAE, emphasizing a commitment to peace and accountability for Sudanese citizens.
In the final hours of the Biden administration, Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the RSF for its extensive abuses against Sudan’s non-Arab populations, recalling its historical involvement in Darfur’s atrocities. The RSF’s actions have drawn international scrutiny, and UN experts have deemed the allegations against the UAE credible. Despite these criticisms, the UAE maintains that it does not arm the RSF.
The conflict in Sudan has attracted attention from various global powers, including Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and Russia, as the situation continues to deteriorate. Blinken’s tenure ended with the imposition of sanctions on both competing generals, who remain confident in their military capabilities. The Sudanese army announced that it had successfully lifted a siege from its headquarters, indicating the ongoing battle dynamics in the region.
The geopolitical landscape of Sudan has become increasingly complex due to the internal conflict between various military factions, including the RSF. With allegations of genocide and systematic human rights abuses surfacing, international actors, including the United States, have expressed grave concerns regarding the UAE’s involvement in providing military assistance to these forces. The dynamics of this conflict have ramifications not only for Sudanese civilians but also for the broader region’s stability and international relations.
In summary, US lawmakers have accused the UAE of violating agreements by continuing to supply arms to the RSF, which has been implicated in genocide. This situation underscores the importance of US arms policy in relation to countries implicated in human rights abuses. Lawmakers are seeking to block arms sales to the UAE, reflecting a commitment to peace and accountability for the Sudanese populace amidst ongoing violence in the region.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
