An American Magazine Review Debate Within the USA on Arms Sales to UAE, against RSF Militia Violations .

Washington – Sudanhorizon

Journalists Jerry W. and Giselle Rouhiah Ewing, writing for the American news magazine Politico, which specializes in security affairs, published an article examining the ongoing debate within the US administration on one hand, and between lawmakers in the Senate and the House of Representatives on the other. They also discussed the positions of representatives from both parties and how they are making concessions, even harsh ones, to secure enough votes to pass the Sudan Peace Act.

According to the magazine, this means narrowing the space for maneuver as the war in Sudan enters its fourth year, impacting the chances of success for efforts in Congress to hold the United Arab Emirates accountable for “allegations of fueling the conflict” in Sudan.

The authors stated that despite the UAE’s denial of any involvement in Sudan, multiple US intelligence assessments have revealed its provision of weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.

They further noted that despite this fact, “enator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who is leading a campaign to hold the UAE accountable, has yet to make any progress. Last month, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee rejected his latest attempt to block US arms sales to the UAE unless it ceases arming the Rapid Support Forces. However, the US senator has persisted in his efforts to impose sanctions on the UAE. Van Hollen told NatSec Daily, The ongoing violence and the horrific humanitarian crisis in Sudan demand immediate US action. We must use all our leverage to help end this war.”

NatSec Daily quoted him as saying, following the congressional stance, “It is clear that we need to do more.” The security-focused newspaper warned that Sudan is heading toward another dangerous escalation in the city of El Obeid, threatening more than 500,000 civilians. More than 1,000 civilians were killed in drone strikes in 2026.

It noted that it was remarkable that four Democrats—Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Coons (D-D), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Jackie Rosen (D-NV)—”brokered the party line and voted with Republicans against the Van Hollen Amendment, which was added to the Sudan Peace Act on humanitarian grounds. Coons and Shaheen explained that they voted against the amendment only to ensure the passage of the legislation, which aims to provide aid to Sudan.”

“Because of our other relationships with the UAE, we have seen time and again that using U.S. arms sales as a means of influencing a country is ineffective, because Russia, China, and others are there to sell weapons,” said Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, during a committee meeting last month.

However, the newspaper noted that there were subtle moves—to avoid naming a specific country—in the House of Representatives in support of Van Hollen’s efforts. The House Foreign Affairs Committee introduced its own bill last month that would require the administration to “prohibit the sale of U.S. defense equipment to countries that support the Rapid Support Forces or the Sudanese Armed Forces.” The bill did not name the UAE, but it could be used against it.

The newspaper added that the same bill also proposed designating the Rapid Support Forces as a foreign terrorist organization. The newspaper reports, the broader effort to end the conflict in Sudan enjoys bipartisan support, but singling out and targeting the United Arab Emirates is not well-received by the White House and most Republicans in Congress.

The newspaper notes that, in light of the UAE’s support for Washington in the Iran conflict, the Trump administration announced this month an upgrade to Abu Dhabi’s export licenses, granting it broader access to American technology and weapons. It adds, “The situation is further complicated by President Donald Trump’s financial and digital ties to Abu Dhabi.

However, Nicole Widdersheim, who served as National Security Council director for Sudan and Central Africa during the first Trump administration, says, “The White House today needs to take a much firmer stance toward the UAE.” With everyone aware of the UAE’s role in these impending atrocities, there are clear tools and mechanisms of pressure that could be used to pressure the UAE, but they are not being used, Widersheim added.

The White House had previously commented to the paper that Washington is working with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and other partners to end these atrocities while simultaneously stabilizing Sudan.

The UAE continues to deny accusations of its involvement in the Sudanese war. An official at the UAE Embassy in Washington said in a statement these allegations do not contribute to promoting peace, alleviating human suffering, or supporting the Sudanese people.

The official added that the UAE is committed to supporting Sudan and has donated $30 million to the United Nations to support humanitarian relief efforts in El Obeid.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=16294