US UAE Arms Deals
U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns over the US UAE Arms Deal, a $1.2 billion weapons sale, due to alleged ties between the UAE and Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
This development follows accusations that the UAE has provided military support to the RSF, fueling the devastating conflict in Sudan.
Lawmakers Challenge the US UAE Arms Deal
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs have introduced resolutions in the Senate and House of Representatives to block the arms deal. Their joint effort seeks to ensure that the UAE ceases any alleged support to the RSF before finalizing the sale. 
Van Hollen emphasized that while the UAE remains a vital Middle Eastern partner, the United States must leverage its influence to halt humanitarian disasters like Sudan’s ongoing war.
Jacobs, who recently engaged with Sudanese refugees on the Chad border, called the situation urgent. She stated, “The UAE is one of the biggest outside actors fueling the violence in Sudan, yet the U.S. plans to send another $1.2 billion in weapons that could end up in RSF hands.”
Implications of the US UAE Arms Deal for Sudan
The Sudan conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced over 8 million people, and driven nearly half of Sudan’s population into critical need of humanitarian aid. Sudan’s army directly accuses the UAE of supporting the RSF militarily, allegations that United Nations sanctions monitors have described as credible.
Despite these claims, the UAE denies involvement with Sudan’s rival factions. However, the ongoing war has sparked severe famine risks and worsened living conditions for millions, amplifying global concern about foreign arms fueling the crisis.
Historic Context of U.S.-UAE Defense Relations
The UAE has long served as a strategic U.S. defense partner, hosting the Al Dhafra Air Base and thousands of American personnel. In October, the Biden administration approved the arms deal for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets and long-range ATACMS missiles, both manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
However, the newly introduced resolutions aim to halt this deal, spotlighting the potential consequences of such sales amidst Sudan’s humanitarian crisis.
Historically, no resolution of disapproval has ever passed both chambers of Congress and survived a presidential veto. Yet, these resolutions bring to light lawmakers’ growing concerns about the ethical implications of arms sales to key allies like the UAE.
As debates over the US UAE Arms Deal continue, the stakes remain high. With Sudan’s war worsening and humanitarian needs escalating, the U.S. faces critical decisions on balancing strategic partnerships and ethical responsibilities.
Will Congress act decisively, or will this deal proceed despite its potential fallout?
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