Democratic lawmakers threaten to block $1.2 billion in arms sales to the UAE unless President Biden certifies that the UAE is not supporting the RSF in Sudan. With the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the conflict, concerns grow over U.S. foreign policy and military support. Lawmakers emphasize that ethical considerations must guide arms sales in the region.
Democratic lawmakers in the United States are poised to block arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) unless the Biden administration certifies that the UAE is not providing support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs expressed their concerns in a letter dated December 2, emphasizing the UAE’s alleged provision of military support to the RSF amidst the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan. They have committed to seeking a resolution of disapproval regarding the sale of $1.2 billion worth of offensive weaponry, which includes rockets and missiles, unless the administration can guarantee that such support has ceased.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which commenced in April 2023, has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian conditions, with millions displaced. The RSF, under the command of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has been implicated in serious human rights violations, including accusations of sexual violence. Despite the UAE’s denials of involvement, a leaked UN report suggested Emirati backing for the RSF, intensifying scrutiny towards their role in this humanitarian crisis.
The Biden administration’s lack of a decisive stance on the matter reportedly frustrates several U.S. officials who perceive a disparity in how the administration addresses international conflicts, notably contrasting its emphasis on Russian actions in Ukraine with its approach to the UAE’s involvement in Sudan. In a recent meeting, Vice President Kamala Harris raised the issue with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, indicating the growing concern among U.S. leaders.
In their communication, the lawmakers stressed the need for the United States to pause arms sales to the UAE until it halts support for the RSF. They articulated that a robust relationship with the UAE does not necessitate a blanket endorsement of its actions in the region, emphasizing the need for ethical oversight in U.S. arms sales, particularly in light of worsening humanitarian conditions in Sudan.
The issue at hand concerns the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, particularly the implications of arms sales to the UAE given its alleged support for the RSF in Sudan amidst ongoing humanitarian crises. The conflict between the Sudanese military and the RSF has escalated, resulting in severe human displacement and rights abuses. The U.S. has previously classified the UAE as a significant defense partner, which allows for more advanced military transactions, raising concerns about the ethical implications of such relationships when associated with parties engaged in human rights violations.
In summary, the actions of Democratic lawmakers signal a critical evaluation of U.S. foreign policy concerning arms sales, particularly in relation to the UAE’s involvement in the Sudan conflict. By conditioning future arms sales on the cessation of UAE support for the RSF, lawmakers advocate for a moral stand in U.S. military dealings and recognition of the pressing humanitarian needs stemming from the conflict in Sudan.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
