President Joe Biden's administration is preparing to deliver an assessment to U.S. lawmakers by January 17 regarding the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) assurances that it is not supplying weapons to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. This move comes amid rising international concern over the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in significant humanitarian challenges, including famine and displacement affecting millions.

The assessment, as outlined in a letter from Brett McGurk, Biden's coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, is a response to pressure from Democratic lawmakers. These lawmakers have been urging the administration to halt arms sales to the UAE until it is confirmed that the country is not arming the RSF, a paramilitary group involved in the Sudanese civil war.

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs have been at the forefront of this legislative push, having filed resolutions in both the Senate and the House to block weapons sales to the UAE. Despite reports suggesting otherwise, the UAE has assured the U.S. administration that it is not currently transferring weapons to the RSF and will not do so in the future.

The Biden administration has committed to monitoring the credibility of these assurances and will provide an updated assessment by mid-January. This assessment is crucial as U.S. law requires congressional review of major arms deals, allowing senators to vote on resolutions of disapproval that could block such sales.

The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has led to severe humanitarian issues, with the United Nations reporting that nearly 25 million people require aid and about 8 million have been displaced. In response, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to announce additional humanitarian assistance for Sudan at the United Nations.

The UAE, a significant purchaser of U.S. weapons, has been accused by Sudan's army of providing military support to the RSF, allegations that the Gulf state denies. However, U.N. sanctions monitors have described these accusations as credible.

In October, the Biden administration approved a potential sale of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) munitions to the UAE, valued at $1.2 billion. These munitions are produced by Lockheed Martin and L3Harris Technologies.

The outcome of the upcoming assessment and the legislative actions by Van Hollen and Jacobs could significantly impact future arms sales to the UAE, as they have indicated their readiness to refile resolutions to block sales if the UAE fails to comply with its assurances.