U.S. Senators Urge Halt To UAE Arms Sales Over RSF Support

Khartoum, August 4, 2026 - Twenty-one U.S. senators urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to halt some American arms sales to the United Arab Emirates, citing Abu Dhabi's alleged military support for the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. In an August 3 letter led by Senator Tim Kaine, the lawmakers warned that an RSF advance on El Obeid in North Kordofan could put an estimated 500,000 civilians at risk, including many people already displaced by violence elsewhere in Kordofan.

They said Washington should use its leverage to prevent further atrocities and help end the war. The senators specifically named the UAE as the primary external backer of the RSF and called for concrete action against foreign actors fueling the conflict. The letter cited evidence alleging UAE-linked training and financing for forces fighting alongside the RSF, including foreign mercenaries.

The appeal raises the risk of wider scrutiny of Gulf involvement in Sudan's war and could complicate U.S.-UAE defense ties if Congress pushes restrictions. The senators asked the State Department to provide a formal response by August 17 on its plan to prevent further violence in El Obeid.