US acknowledges limits in curbing UAE support for Sudan’s RSF

October 30, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – The U.S. admitted on Tuesday it has little power to stop the UAE from arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) despite calling for an end to foreign intervention in the conflict in Sudan.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller started his daily briefing by condemning “in the strongest terms” RSF attacks in Al-Jazirah state. However, he acknowledged the challenges in influencing sovereign nations’ foreign policy decisions.

“Every country makes its own decisions on a host of foreign policy issues,” Miller told reporters during the press briefing. He stressed that the U.S. continues to engage with regional partners to find a resolution to the conflict.

His comments came in response to questions about continued UAE military and logistical support for the RSF despite allegations of human rights abuses and war crimes. The UAE has denied these accusations, maintaining its aid is solely humanitarian.

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on individuals involved in the conflict, including RSF commander Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa. However, Miller acknowledged the “intensely competing interests” and complex dynamics in Sudan, limiting US influence.

“We continue to try and play the leadership role that…the moment demands, trying to bring countries together to find an end to these wars,” Miller said.

The conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 25 million Sudanese needing emergency relief and more than 14 million displaced.

(ST)