Calls Grow for UK to Halt Arms Sales to UAE over Alleged Links to Sudan Atrocities

Calls Grow for UK to Halt Arms Sales to UAE over Alleged Links to Sudan Atrocities
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Britain is facing mounting pressure to suspend arms exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after UK-made military equipment was reportedly found in the possession of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accused of committing mass atrocities in Darfur, The Telegraph reported. According to documents submitted by Sudan’s army to the United Nations Security Council, the RSF has used British-made small-arms targeting systems and vehicle engines allegedly supplied via the UAE.

The militia, which evolved from the Janjaweed group responsible for ethnic cleansing in Darfur two decades ago, has been accused of massacring more than 2,000 civilians in El Fasher. Sudan’s ambassador to the UK, Babikir Elamin, described UAE support as “the single most important element in prolonging and enabling this genocide,” urging London and the wider international community to pressure the Gulf state to end its arms transfers to the RSF. He also called on Britain to investigate claims that UK military products were being diverted to the militia.

In Parliament, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper declined to confirm whether the government would halt arms sales to the UAE, emphasizing instead that the UK maintains “extremely strong controls on arms exports.” However, opposition MPs and rights advocates have criticized the government’s response. Liberal Democrat MP Monica Harding said the possibility that British-made weapons could be aiding atrocities in Sudan was “horrific,” demanding an immediate suspension of arms sales to the UAE.

Government records show that since the outbreak of Sudan’s civil war in 2023, the UK has issued 132 export licences to the UAE worth £249 million, including radar, targeting, and military electronic equipment. Critics argue the exports are inadequately monitored once approved, increasing the risk of diversion.

The UAE has denied providing any arms to Sudanese factions, asserting its support for peace efforts. Yet, analysts warn the Gulf state seeks to expand its influence in Sudan, given its access to Red Sea trade routes and natural resources. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers have proposed suspending arms sales to the UAE until it halts alleged support for the RSF, amid international calls for greater accountability over the worsening crisis in Darfur.