The Sudanese Army has uncovered boxes of ammunition and medical supplies provided by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in an area previously controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in southeast Sudan, the military announced. This discovery is the latest in a series of findings linking foreign military support to the RSF, further intensifying the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group.
The uncovered supplies, including evidence of UAE-manufactured vehicles and weapons, highlight the ongoing flow of arms into Sudan despite existing international embargoes. Amnesty International and other rights organizations have documented a steady increase in arms transfers from countries such as China, Russia, Türkiye, and the UAE, which have been fueling the violence. In particular, shipments of weapons and ammunition have been traced to the RSF through neighboring countries like Chad and Libya, with some flights delivering arms under the guise of medical supplies.
Amnesty International’s latest report, New Weapons Fuelling the Sudan Conflict, outlines how the influx of weapons has exacerbated the conflict, which has claimed over 16,650 lives since April 2023. The report details the illegal arms trade, often in violation of the Darfur arms embargo, and highlights the need for a broader embargo covering all of Sudan. Among the weapons found in Sudan are advanced Chinese-manufactured mortars, Turkish hunting rifles, and Russian civilian-grade firearms repurposed for combat.
The UAE has been identified as a key player in this arms flow, with reports of cargo planes from Abu Dhabi delivering arms and ammunition to the RSF via Amdjarass Airport in eastern Chad. The RSF has also sourced fuel and military equipment from southern Libya, aiding their ability to carry out attacks in North Darfur and other contested areas.
As the conflict escalates, the humanitarian toll has grown significantly. Over 11 million people have been displaced, and millions more face the threat of famine due to the continued fighting. The SAF and RSF have both been accused of violating international humanitarian law, with indiscriminate attacks on civilians and infrastructure.
Amnesty International has called for immediate international action to halt the flow of weapons into Sudan. Deprose Muchena, Amnesty’s Senior Director for Regional Human Rights Impact, stated, “This is a humanitarian crisis that cannot be ignored… The world cannot continue to fail civilians in Sudan.” The organization urges the extension of the Darfur arms embargo to cover the entire country, as the current measures have proven inadequate in curbing the violence.
Sudan Army finds UAE arms supplied to Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Evidence of UAE vehicles, weapons and even mercenaries has been surfacing for months in Sudan. pic.twitter.com/IKxleHc7vS
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 9, 2024
Expanded Coverage:
