Newly elected U.S. Senator from Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed (Abdul El-Sayed), has called for an end to arms deals and transactions with the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of committing genocide in Sudan.
In remarks made to ABC News, El-Sayed said: “I would like us to find a way to stop making deals with countries like the United Arab Emirates, which is committing genocide in Sudan.”
The Egyptian-American politician’s position comes as part of a series of progressive stances on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding unconditional military aid and foreign wars. He won the November 2026 Senate election, becoming the first Muslim elected to the Senate.
His remarks come amid growing international allegations that the UAE has been supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s civil war, which has been ongoing since April 2023. The alleged support reportedly includes the supply of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, including advanced drones, as well as the recruitment of Colombian mercenaries, according to UN reports and U.S. intelligence assessments.
Reports by the United Nations and human rights organizations have documented evidence of the UAE’s alleged involvement in facilitating the flow of weapons and fighters to the RSF, which has been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly in Darfur.
El-Sayed, a physician and epidemiologist, is known for his progressive positions within the Democratic Party. He has previously criticized unconditional U.S. military assistance to several allies, including Israel and Egypt, calling for any military support to be tied to conditions related to human rights and genuine U.S. interests.
El-Sayed, who is expected to take office in January 2027, is anticipated to play a notable role in upcoming congressional debates on U.S. arms sales and relations with Gulf countries, particularly amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which is currently considered one of the world’s largest humanitarian disasters.
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# African Union Commission Chair Discusses Possible Visit to Khartoum
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf met on Tuesday with Sudan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Al-Zein Ibrahim Hussein. The meeting focused on developments in Sudan and the organization’s efforts to support peace, stability, and recovery in the country.
In a statement published on its official website, the African Union said the meeting addressed the organization’s continued engagement in supporting peace and stability efforts in Sudan. The Sudanese ambassador expressed his appreciation for the African Union’s diplomatic efforts to bring the ongoing conflict to an end.
The statement added that both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in the health and education sectors, as well as supporting Sudan’s social and economic recovery efforts.
The African Union noted that the Commission Chairperson reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Sudan in its pursuit of peace, stability, and economic recovery.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of the Commission Chairperson visiting Khartoum, although no date was announced and the visit has not yet been officially confirmed.
