U.S. lawmakers Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs are opposing a $1.2 billion arms deal with the UAE, citing its alleged support for Sudan’s paramilitary RSF. The lawmakers seek to ensure the UAE is not arming RSF before the sale. The resolutions face challenges in Congress, where the UAE is considered a key ally.
Two Democratic lawmakers in the United States, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs, are advocating to halt a proposed $1.2 billion arms deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They assert that the UAE has been implicated in supplying weapons to Sudan’s paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), exacerbating the ongoing violence in Sudan. Van Hollen emphasized the necessity for the Biden administration to provide assurance that the UAE is not arming the RSF prior to the completion of the arms sale.
Jacobs, after a visit to Sudanese refugees in Chad, condemned the UAE’s role as one of the principal contributors to violence in Sudan. The lawmakers introduced resolutions in both the Senate and House, aiming to address the situation. Although they face significant challenges in Congress where the UAE is deemed a vital ally, they hope to draw attention to Sudan’s deteriorating crisis and exert pressure on the UAE to sever its connections with the RSF.
The UAE has faced accusations of fueling Sudan’s conflict; however, it has consistently denied the allegations. Despite acknowledging its previous arms supplies before the war’s outbreak, the UAE states that it has not sent any additional arms since mid-April 2023. The situation remains complex, as recent meetings between President Biden and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed solidified the UAE’s status as a major defense partner.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has drawn international concern, particularly over allegations of foreign involvement. The UAE is accused of supplying arms to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, which have been linked to significant violence and instability. This has prompted U.S. lawmakers to push back against proposed arms deals with the UAE, seeking to ensure that American military support does not indirectly contribute to humanitarian crises abroad. The political dynamics involve balancing strategic alliances with ethical considerations regarding U.S. arms sales.
In summary, the efforts by Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs to block the $1.2 billion arms deal with the UAE underscore a significant moral and political challenge facing U.S. foreign policy. Their advocacy reflects growing concerns over the UAE’s role in the Sudanese conflict, highlighting the tension between defense partnerships and the United States’ humanitarian obligations. The outcome in Congress will likely reveal the strength of advocacy efforts concerning foreign military transactions.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
