US lawmakers slam UAE over Sudan war, urge halt to arms sales
December 12, 2025 (WASHINGTON) – United States lawmakers from both parties sharply criticized the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday for its alleged role in fueling the war in Sudan, calling on the Trump administration to halt arms sales to Abu Dhabi until it ceases support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
During a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee titled “Stopping the Bloodshed,” Chairman Chris Smith and other representatives singled out the UAE, alongside Russia and Iran, as external actors perpetuating the conflict that has devastated Sudan since April 2023.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the UAE’s role in supplying weapons that kill innocent Sudanese civilians,” Smith said in his opening remarks. He alleged that the “illicit flow of Sudanese gold” smuggled through the UAE is directly funding the RSF’s “war machine.”
The hearing highlighted growing frustration in Congress over the continued flow of foreign weapons into Sudan despite a U.S. arms embargo on Darfur. Smith urged President Donald Trump to intervene personally, suggesting he call the UAE leadership to demand they “stop it.”
“Delay is denial. More people will die tomorrow,” Smith warned, adding that the RSF should be designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
Ranking Member Sarah Jacobs joined the condemnation, criticizing the administration for bypassing a congressional hold in May to approve a $1.4 billion arms sale to the UAE, which included helicopter and F-16 fighter jet parts.
“The UAE… is the main backer of the RSF and has made it possible for its genocide to take place,” Jacobs said. She argued that instead of using leverage to stop the violence, the U.S. has continued to supply military equipment to Abu Dhabi.
In a statement released shortly before the hearing, the UAE Embassy in Washington categorically denied the accusations, asserting that there is “no substantiated evidence” that the country has provided support to the RSF or any other warring party.
“Claims suggesting otherwise are 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 embassy stated.
The statement further emphasized that the UAE has “consistently called for a full arms embargo across Sudan.” It cited an April 2025 report by the UN Panel of Experts as proof that the Emirates have not provided military aid to the combatants.
Despite these denials, State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Vincent Spera faced repeated questions during the hearing about why the U.S. has not utilized its leverage to stop the alleged interference. Spera maintained that the U.S. is “exerting all the pressure we can” through diplomatic channels.
Nicole Widdersheim, Deputy Washington Director at Human Rights Watch, described the UAE’s involvement as the “worst-kept diplomatic secret,” warning that while U.S. weapons might not be found in Sudan, sales to the UAE could allow the Gulf nation to displace older 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 told the committee.
The hearing follows the U.S. Treasury Department’s announcement on Tuesday of sanctions targeting a Colombian-led network of mercenaries fighting for the RSF. Smith also noted the “malign influence” of Russia, which is seeking a naval base at Port Sudan, and reports of Iranian drones bolstering the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
“Sudan has become a playground for foreign powers while the people serve as collateral damage,” Smith concluded.