The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to widespread suffering, and the involvement of foreign actors has only exacerbated the situation. One of the most concerning international actors in this conflict is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has been providing critical support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia responsible for numerous human rights violations. This support is a direct violation of international standards and has perpetuated the violence and instability that continue to plague Sudan. The international community, particularly the United States, must take stronger actions to pressure the UAE to stop aiding the RSF and contribute to efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability to Sudan.
The RSF, which emerged from the notorious Janjaweed militia, has been responsible for widespread atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and the forced displacement of civilians. Despite the severe human rights abuses committed by the RSF, the UAE has acted as one of their primary benefactors, providing vital financial, military, and logistical support. This support has enabled the RSF to continue its violent campaign against the people of Sudan, undermining efforts to bring peace to the country.
Over the past year, the United States has made repeated appeals to the UAE, urging it to cease its support for the RSF. However, these diplomatic efforts have been largely ineffective. In a recent statement, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller remarked that “every country makes its own decisions on a host of foreign policy issues,” suggesting that the U.S. has limited influence over the UAE’s actions. While it is true that sovereign nations have the right to make independent foreign policy decisions, the UAE’s support for the RSF cannot be ignored, especially when such support directly contributes to the suffering of innocent civilians.
The UAE’s role in Sudan is part of a broader pattern of involvement in conflicts across the Middle East and Africa. While the UAE has positioned itself as a key ally of the United States in the region, it has also pursued its own strategic interests at the expense of human rights. This has included supporting militant groups and participating in interventions that destabilize countries like Libya and Yemen. The UAE’s support for the RSF is a continuation of this approach, and it is crucial that the international community take a strong stance against this behavior.
One of the most effective tools that the United States can use to pressure the UAE is its control over arms sales. The UAE is heavily dependent on U.S. military equipment, and this relationship provides the U.S. with significant leverage. In 2023, U.S. Representative Sara Jacobs introduced a bill that would block U.S. arms sales to the UAE until the country can prove it has ceased all support for the RSF. This bill underscores the moral and strategic responsibility of the U.S. to use its influence to end the UAE’s involvement in Sudan. The U.S. should work closely with Congress to ensure that such measures are enacted and enforced.
Additionally, economic sanctions targeting the UAE should be considered as a means of compelling the country to change its stance. Sanctions could be imposed on individuals, companies, and entities involved in providing material support to the RSF. Such measures would signal to the UAE and the international community that human rights violations will not be tolerated. While these actions may strain U.S.-UAE relations, they are necessary to demonstrate that the U.S. is committed to holding accountable those who enable violence and oppression.
The situation in Sudan cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. The UAE’s support for the RSF is prolonging the suffering of the Sudanese people and contributing to the destabilization of the region. The United States, as a global power and a key ally of the UAE, must take decisive action to end this support. Diplomatic appeals and vague statements are no longer enough. It is time for concrete measures, including arms sales restrictions and sanctions, to pressure the UAE into ceasing its material support for the RSF. The international community must act swiftly and decisively to prevent further violence and to support efforts toward peace and stability in Sudan.