Senate Panel Rejects Blocking UAE Arms Sales Over Alleged RSF Support in Sudan's 4th War Year
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 24
Senate Panel Rejects Blocking UAE Arms Sales Over Alleged RSF Support in Sudan's 4th War Year
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 24
Summary
Last month the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted down Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s amendment to halt U.S. arms sales to the UAE unless it stopped arming Sudan’s RSF.
U.S. intelligence assessments have found the UAE sent weapons to the RSF, though Abu Dhabi denies involvement and says it has provided $30 million in humanitarian relief.
Four Democrats — Jeanne Shaheen, Chris Coons, Tammy Duckworth and Jacky Rosen — joined Republicans against the measure, with Coons and Shaheen saying they wanted to preserve a Sudan aid bill.
Republicans and the White House have resisted targeting the UAE, arguing arms-sale leverage is ineffective and noting Abu Dhabi’s support in the Iran war; Washington this month upgraded its export status.
The setback comes as Sudan’s war enters a fourth year, with more than 1,000 civilians killed in drone strikes in 2026 and over 500,000 civilians threatened around el-Obeid.