Congressman discusses American leverage to block arms sales to UAE over Sudan conflict
May 25, 2025 | Foreign Affairs: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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A dire crisis in Sudan has prompted urgent calls for action from the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. During a recent meeting, lawmakers highlighted the complex web of international interests fueling the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for the U.S. to leverage its influence effectively.
One of the most striking points made was the assertion that the war in Sudan is not merely a civil conflict but a "globalized war," with various nations, including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, heavily invested in the situation. These countries are profiting from Sudan's resources, such as gold and gum Arabic, which complicates the U.S. role as a mediator. A committee member urged the U.S. government to engage in honest discussions with these nations about their interests, not just in Sudan but across the region, including Somalia and Ethiopia.
In a bold move, lawmakers discussed the "Stand Up for Sudan Act," which aims to block arms sales to the UAE until it ceases its support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a key player in the conflict. This legislation underscores the U.S.'s potential leverage as the largest arms supplier to the UAE, highlighting the importance of using this power to influence positive change in Sudan.
The meeting also addressed humanitarian efforts, with a representative from Samaritan's Purse detailing their establishment of an emergency field hospital in Sudan, which treated over 9,000 patients and delivered 562 babies. The organization is now planning to build a permanent hospital in Khartoum, contingent on security conditions. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need for humanitarian assistance amid the chaos.
Lawmakers expressed optimism about the potential for American involvement in Sudan, with discussions about business opportunities and the desire for stability in the region. However, the ongoing violence poses significant challenges to foreign investment and aid efforts.
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the committee's discussions signal a critical moment for U.S. foreign policy. The proposed actions could reshape the landscape of international engagement in Sudan, aiming to alleviate the suffering of its people and foster a path toward stability. The urgency of these discussions highlights the need for immediate and coordinated action to address the crisis.
One of the most striking points made was the assertion that the war in Sudan is not merely a civil conflict but a "globalized war," with various nations, including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, heavily invested in the situation. These countries are profiting from Sudan's resources, such as gold and gum Arabic, which complicates the U.S. role as a mediator. A committee member urged the U.S. government to engage in honest discussions with these nations about their interests, not just in Sudan but across the region, including Somalia and Ethiopia.
In a bold move, lawmakers discussed the "Stand Up for Sudan Act," which aims to block arms sales to the UAE until it ceases its support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a key player in the conflict. This legislation underscores the U.S.'s potential leverage as the largest arms supplier to the UAE, highlighting the importance of using this power to influence positive change in Sudan.
The meeting also addressed humanitarian efforts, with a representative from Samaritan's Purse detailing their establishment of an emergency field hospital in Sudan, which treated over 9,000 patients and delivered 562 babies. The organization is now planning to build a permanent hospital in Khartoum, contingent on security conditions. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need for humanitarian assistance amid the chaos.
Lawmakers expressed optimism about the potential for American involvement in Sudan, with discussions about business opportunities and the desire for stability in the region. However, the ongoing violence poses significant challenges to foreign investment and aid efforts.
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the committee's discussions signal a critical moment for U.S. foreign policy. The proposed actions could reshape the landscape of international engagement in Sudan, aiming to alleviate the suffering of its people and foster a path toward stability. The urgency of these discussions highlights the need for immediate and coordinated action to address the crisis.
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