Senator Seeks to Halt Arms Sales to UAE
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., introduced two export-related measures Nov. 21 aimed at encouraging the United Arab Emirates to stop arming Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia group, which is fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces.
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His joint resolution of disapproval would block the recently announced sale of $1.2 billion worth of missiles and related support to the UAE (see 2410150030), while his bill would prohibit U.S. arms sales to the UAE until the president certifies that the UAE is no longer providing material support to the RSF. Both measures were referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Van Hollen said that by providing weapons to the RSF, the UAE is perpetuating Sudan’s civil war, which has left millions of civilians at risk of starvation. He believes his legislation would give the U.S. “leverage” to help it bring a peaceful end to the conflict. “The UAE is an important partner in the Middle East, but the United States cannot sit idly by as it aids and abets the humanitarian disaster in Sudan,” he said.
Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., introduced the joint resolution in the House, where it was referred to the Foreign Affairs Committee. Van Hollen’s bill is similar to legislation Jacobs introduced in May (see 2405230004).