Walloon Minister-President Adrien Dolimont (MR) has approved the sale of machine gun spare parts to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant shift in policy from his predecessor, reported Le Soir on Monday. This decision comes at a time when the UAE’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in Yemen continues to attract international scrutiny.
The approval, granted in recent weeks, concerns an export request from FN Herstal, a prominent arms manufacturer based in Wallonia. The company sought permission to sell spare parts for machine guns used in French-made Leclerc tanks. The parts, valued at approximately €325,000, are intended to be used by the UAE’s defense forces.
The French-made Leclerc tanks, which are equipped with machine guns, have been used by the UAE in various military operations, particularly during its involvement in the Yemen conflict. The UAE has deployed these tanks in support of the Saudi-led coalition fighting against the Houthi rebels, with notable deployments in 2015 and 2018.
The war in Yemen has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with multiple reports from organizations such as the United Nations and Human Rights Watch accusing the UAE and other coalition members of committing war crimes, including unlawful killings of civilians.
The decision to approve the sale of these spare parts to the UAE represents a reversal of the policy set by Dolimont’s predecessor, who had been more cautious in approving arms exports to countries involved in controversial military actions.
Critics argue that by allowing the sale, the Walloon government is indirectly supporting the UAE’s military operations in Yemen, despite the widespread criticism surrounding the UAE’s involvement in the conflict.
The sale of arms and military equipment from Belgium, particularly from Wallonia, has long been a contentious issue. In recent years, Belgium has faced increased pressure to reassess its export policies due to growing concerns over the use of Belgian-made arms in conflict zones.
Human rights groups have raised alarms about the role that Western-made weapons, including those manufactured by FN Herstal, play in fueling conflicts and exacerbating human suffering in war-torn regions such as Yemen.
FN Herstal, one of the largest arms manufacturers in the region, has defended its actions, arguing that the sale of spare parts is necessary for the maintenance and operation of the UAE’s Leclerc tanks, which are already part of the country’s defense inventory.
The company has emphasized that the parts are meant solely for logistical purposes and are not intended for use in offensive operations.
Supporters of Dolimont’s decision claim that it is a necessary step in maintaining economic ties and ensuring the continued growth of the local defense industry.
They argue that the approval of the sale does not imply direct involvement in the conflict but is rather a commercial transaction intended to uphold international defense agreements.
Nevertheless, the decision has reignited the debate over Belgium’s role in global arms sales and its responsibility in ensuring that weapons are not used to commit human rights abuses. Critics of the sale fear that it may tarnish Belgium’s reputation as a promoter of peace and human rights on the international stage.
As the situation in Yemen remains dire, the approval of this arms deal highlights the ongoing dilemma faced by governments around the world in balancing economic interests with ethical considerations in the arms trade.
