A stark warning emerged during a recent U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs meeting regarding the ongoing crisis in Sudan, with allegations surfacing that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group accused of committing genocide in Darfur. Testimony highlighted that the UAE's actions may violate a nearly 20-year-old UN arms embargo on weapons transfers into the region.
Mister Hudson, a key witness, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "There is overwhelming evidence that the UAE is supplying the RSF with weapons." He urged Congress to investigate the origins of U.S. weapons reportedly found in the possession of the RSF, calling for collaboration with Sudanese authorities to trace these arms. The implications of U.S. weapons potentially being involved in the conflict raised serious concerns among committee members.
The discussion also touched on the complex relationship between the U.S. and the UAE, with some lawmakers questioning the appropriateness of continuing arms sales to the UAE while it supports the RSF. Hudson noted the Biden administration's "pugnacious approach" towards the UAE, suggesting that a more realistic strategy is needed to address the situation in Sudan without compromising U.S. interests.
Another witness, Miss Cahier, echoed these sentiments, asserting that "Sudanese people should not be held hostage to any U.S. allies in the region." The meeting underscored the urgent need for a reassessment of U.S. foreign policy in light of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, as lawmakers grapple with the implications of their allies' actions on the ground. The call for a balanced approach that acknowledges regional interests while prioritizing humanitarian concerns is more pressing than ever.