Before getting into my argument, I must point out that I am far from a supporter of the Sudanese Armed Forces. Despite this, recent atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces after the defection of one of their commanders have reinforced my opinion that it would be best for the country if the Sudanese Armed Forces came out on top of the current conflict. This has also further convinced me that the Rapid Support Forces, a group derived from the once government-controlled Janjaweed, should not be taken seriously when they proclaim that they are fighting to “establish and support democracy” in Sudan.
Having continuously followed the Sudan war over the past year and a half, I believe the U.S. policy has been far from satisfactory, though more vigorous action has been taken as of late. Yet, despite this progress, nothing disappointed me more than the recent statement made by State Department spokesperson Matt Miller. When confronted about the UAE and their support for the Rapid Support Forces, who have been their primary benefactors, Miller said, “Every country makes its own decisions on a host of foreign policy issues.” The rest of the statement is classic statesman rhetoric, claiming that countries welcome the role the U.S. has played but that the United States cannot ultimately enforce all of their demands on them.
Quite frankly, this is absolute nonsense coming from the United States, especially when talking about the Middle East. The notion that the United States has suddenly shifted away from the aggressive, interventionist policies that dominated the late 20th and early 21st centuries is laughable, especially considering the fact that the UAE is not some completely unaffiliated state which they have no sway over; it has been a strategic partner in the Middle East since the 70s.
In September, American officials promised Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces, that they would try to rein in Emirate support of the Rapid Support Forces, following up on this by making a direct appeal to the UAE and other affiliated nations to stop their support of both warring factions. However, that was just that, an appeal, and now, judging from the words of Spokesperson Miller, nothing else can be done to sway the UAE.
Let me now introduce Rep. Sara Jacobs into the story, who in May of this year took lead on a bill that sought to prohibit U.S. arms sales to the UAE until President Biden brings forward clear proof to the Foreign Relations Committees of both the House and the Senate that the UAE has stopped all material support to the Rapid Support Forces.
Jacobs, in an op-ed she wrote not too long ago about her proposed legislation, recognized both the United States’ moral obligation to solve the crisis and also the leverage which they hold against the UAE, most notably when it comes to the procurement of military supplies for their own military. The United States’ apprehension towards human rights abuses in Sudan should thus be made policy when approaching the topic of US-UAE relations until both parties are able to certify that no more material support is flowing to the RSF and no more blood gold is flowing into the UAE’s coffers.
I am calling out the current administration to do something because the Trump Administration is sure to do even less; urgent action is needed. Trump held close ties with the UAE during his first term and there has been indication that Abu Dhabi is eyeing a return to more favorable relations. At the same time, in what could be a more directly aggressive stance towards China, the Gulf States could be a vector of attack; though I doubt Sudan will be used as a center point of conversation to force their compliance. So, action must be taken now to at least put a dent in Emirate support to the Rapid Support Forces because it is doubtful that much will be done in the coming four years to ease the plight of the Sudanese people. Action must be taken now and the UAE must be pressured into compliance before it is too late to take meaningful action. The UAE is now the main remaining international ally of the Rapid Support Forces after Russia jumped ship earlier in the year, so cutting this vital lifeline may be the key to curbing the further suffering of the Sudanese population.
