Two months ago, diplomatic channels indicated that the UAE has started mobilising its lobbying groups in the United States to oppose proposals and calls for sanctions against the UAE over its backing for the civil war in Sudan.
Several sources have told “Emirates Leaks” that the oil-rich monarchy is concerned that the increased pressure by U.S. lawmakers will result in sanctions being imposed on Abu Dhabi, further damaging its reputation as a supporter of militias. According to the sources, the UAE immediately allocated significant financial resources and developed a political strategy to exercise pressure and prevent U.S. sanctions. As part of this strategy, a disinformation campaign will be launched regarding the UAE’s controversial role in Sudan.
Sudan and other nations have frequently accused the UAE of backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), engaged in a nearly two-year conflict with the regular army, a claim the Gulf state refutes. Since 2023, a genocide has been spreading in the Republic of Sudan. The organisation that goes by the name the Rapid Support Forces (“RSF”) and militias associated with it have been perpetrating genocide against the Masalit group, most notably in West Darfur.
Before this development, two U.S. lawmakers verified that they would continue aiming to stop arms sales to the UAE after the UAE supplied weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Sudanese civil war and has been involved in committing horrific war offences against civilians.
Representative Sara Jacobs and Senator Chris Van Hollen, both Democrats, stated in a Reuters report that their conclusion was based on a briefing from the Biden government and other reports.
Van Hollen said in a statement, “The UAE is an important partner in the Middle East, but the United States cannot turn a blind eye to its role in aiding and abetting the suffering in Sudan.”
Jacobs also said, “We now know that the UAE continues to arm the RSF, perpetuating this war and devastation. The United States has the opportunity to end this war and stabilise Sudan by withholding arms from the UAE and effectively cutting the RSF’s supply chain.”
The UAE has historically been a significant purchaser of U.S. arms. In October, the prior Biden administration greenlit a proposed $1.2 billion agreement for the sale of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) and Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), in addition to associated support services.
The GMLRS is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, while the solid-fuel rocket engine is manufactured by L3Harris Technologies. Lockheed Martin also produces the ATACMS missiles. In November, Van Hollen and Jacobs presented legislation to Congress aimed at preventing the sale.
In December, Reuters revealed that numerous flights from the UAE had touched down at an airstrip in Chad, which was utilized for transferring weapons into Sudan. A United Nations expert panel reported in January 2024, referencing “credible” allegations, that Abu Dhabi had been providing military supplies to the conflict through the airstrip in Chad. A Western official commented that many U.S. officials regarded Abu Dhabi as the “instigator” of the war.