Democratic lawmakers have threatened to block U.S. arms sales to the UAE due to alleged support for the RSF in Sudan. Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Jacobs demanded certification from President Biden concerning UAE’s military actions regarding the RSF. They highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Sudan as a critical factor in reconsidering arms sales, stressing the need for ethical conduct in foreign policy.
Two Democratic lawmakers have issued a warning to the Biden administration regarding arms sales to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), citing allegations of the Gulf state’s support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs urged President Biden to certify that the UAE is not providing assistance to the RSF, failing which they will seek a congressional vote to disapprove the sale of offensive weapons worth $1.2 billion. The legislators expressed deep concerns over reports indicating that the UAE has supplied arms and ammunition to the RSF during Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which has generated a severe humanitarian crisis. They emphasized that their objective is not to terminate arms sales entirely, but rather to ensure a responsible and ethical partnership between the United States and UAE, conditioned on a cessation of the UAE’s military support to the RSF.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has elicited international attention due to its severe humanitarian implications, with millions displaced and at risk of famine. The RSF, a paramilitary group, has been implicated in numerous human rights abuses. Reports suggest that the UAE has played an enabling role in this conflict, prompting scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers. This situation is exacerbated by the Biden administration’s focus on other international crises, leading to perceptions of a double standard in its foreign policy regarding arms sales and human rights.
The actions of Senator Van Hollen and Congresswoman Jacobs reflect a growing concern among U.S. lawmakers regarding the ethical dimensions of arms sales to the UAE in light of its alleged support for the RSF in Sudan. Their commitment to oversight demonstrates an effort to align U.S. foreign policy with humanitarian principles, particularly as the situation in Sudan remains dire. The lawmakers maintain that a partnership with the UAE should not compromise the United States’ commitment to human rights and accountability in foreign relations.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
