UAE's Support for Sudan's Rapid Support Forces Under Scrutiny by American Legislators

Two American lawmakers on Friday criticized the United Arab Emirates for its 'failure to adhere to its commitments' and the continued arming of Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, which have been accused of genocide by Washington. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Sara Jacobs, two Democratic lawmakers who last month agreed to a $1.2 billion arms sale to the UAE by the Biden administration (on the condition that the UAE would not transfer any weapons to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces), now state that the UAE has violated its promises based on reports provided. The two representatives stated in a statement: 'The UAE continues to arm the killer forces in Sudan, so we will work to stop any arms sales to the UAE and support efforts to establish peace, provide humanitarian aid, achieve justice, and hold accountable those responsible for the situation in Sudan.' The Biden administration announced in its final days that the 'Rapid Support Forces of Sudan' had committed genocide in Darfur and were involved in the killing of men and boys as well as sexual violence against women and girls. In addition to the UAE, other countries including Egypt, Turkey, Iran, and Russia have also been accused of supporting various factions in the Sudanese war. According to a United Nations report, nearly 25 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian assistance, and about 8 million have been displaced. It is expected that Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, will announce additional funding for humanitarian aid to Sudan at a UN meeting. The UAE has told the U.S. that it is not sending weapons to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces. The U.S. states that the Islamic Republic must refrain from inciting violence in Sudan. Reuters reports that Iran is assisting the Sudanese army in its war against the 'Rapid Support Forces' by sending drones. The Wall Street Journal reported that Sudan rejected Iran's proposal to build a military base. The U.S. has expressed concern over the shipment of Iranian-made weapons to Sudan. The U.S. commended Saudi Arabia for hosting peace talks, which have resumed in Sudan. The U.S. has sanctioned a former Sudanese official and two entities for undermining the peace process.