Congress Demands Accountability for UAE’s Alleged Role in Fueling Sudan Conflict
Washington D.C. – United States lawmakers, representing a bipartisan front, have sharply criticized the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its alleged complicity in exacerbating the devastating war in Sudan. During a pivotal hearing convened by the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, a clear message was sent: halt arms sales to Abu Dhabi until its support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) ceases.
The hearing, aptly titled “Stopping the Bloodshed,” saw Chairman Chris Smith and other representatives explicitly identify the UAE, alongside Russia and Iran, as significant external actors perpetuating the brutal conflict that has engulfed Sudan since April 2023.
Unveiling Allegations of Support and Funding
Chairman Chris Smith did not mince words in his opening remarks, stating, “We cannot turn a blind eye to the UAE’s role in supplying weapons that kill innocent Sudanese civilians.” He further alleged a direct link between the illicit smuggling of Sudanese gold through the UAE and the funding of the RSF’s “war machine.” This accusation points to a sophisticated network that, according to Smith, directly fuels the ongoing violence.
The frustration within Congress over the persistent flow of foreign weaponry into Sudan, despite an existing U.S. arms embargo on the Darfur region, was palpable. Smith issued a direct plea for President Donald Trump to intervene personally, urging him to contact UAE leadership and demand an immediate cessation of their alleged support. “Delay is denial. More people will die tomorrow,” Smith warned, underscoring the urgency of the situation. He also advocated for the RSF to be officially designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
Scrutiny of U.S. Arms Sales
Ranking Member Sarah Jacobs echoed the strong condemnation, expressing dismay at the administration’s decision to bypass a congressional hold in May, which subsequently approved a $1.4 billion arms sale to the UAE. This sale reportedly included critical components for helicopters and F-16 fighter jets.
“The UAE… is the main backer of the RSF and has made it possible for its genocide to take place,” Jacobs asserted. She argued that instead of leveraging its influence to de-escalate the violence, the United States has continued to provide military equipment to Abu Dhabi, a move she views as counterproductive.
UAE’s Firm Denial and Counterarguments
In response to the mounting accusations, the UAE Embassy in Washington issued a categorical denial shortly before the hearing. The embassy stated emphatically that there is “no substantiated evidence” to support claims of the country providing support to the RSF or any other belligerent party in Sudan.
The statement characterized such allegations as an attempt to “misrepresent the facts and distract from the urgent need for a ceasefire and for accountability among those perpetrating violence on the ground.” The UAE further emphasized its consistent advocacy for a comprehensive arms embargo across all of Sudan. To bolster its position, the embassy referenced a United Nations Panel of Experts report from April 2025, which it claims demonstrates that the Emirates have not supplied military aid to the combatants.
Diplomatic Pressure and Human Rights Concerns
Despite these strong denials, State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Vincent Spera faced persistent questioning during the hearing regarding the U.S. administration’s strategy to mitigate alleged foreign interference. Spera maintained that the U.S. is actively “exerting all the pressure we can” through diplomatic channels.
However, Nicole Widdersheim, Deputy Washington Director at Human Rights Watch, offered a starkly different perspective. She described the UAE’s alleged involvement as the “worst-kept diplomatic secret.” Widdersheim warned that even if U.S. weapons are not directly found in Sudan, sales to the UAE could enable the Gulf nation to divert older military stockpiles to the conflict zone. “The number one thing you must do is you must cut off the resources for the people who are committing the mass atrocities,” Widdersheim urged the committee.
Broader Geopolitical Implications
The congressional hearing also touched upon wider geopolitical dynamics influencing the Sudanese crisis. Chairman Smith referenced recent actions by the U.S. Treasury Department, which announced sanctions targeting a Colombian-led mercenary network operating in support of the RSF. He also highlighted the “malign influence” of Russia, which is reportedly seeking to establish a naval base at Port Sudan, and acknowledged reports of Iranian drones being utilized by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
Concluding his remarks, Smith lamented the tragic situation in Sudan, stating, “Sudan has become a playground for foreign powers while the people serve as collateral damage.” The hearing underscored the complex web of international actors and interests contributing to the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, and the growing demand for accountability from Washington.
