Amnesty International has reported that military vehicles and technology made by France and the United Arab Emirates are being used in Sudan’s civil war, in likely violation of a UN arms embargo. Armoured vehicles manufactured in the UAE by the Edge Group, equipped with French military technology, have been spotted in various parts of Sudan, including the Darfur region, where they are being used by paramilitary forces in conflict with the Sudanese army. The Nimr Ajban armoured vehicles are equipped with the French Galix defence system, made by Lacroix Defence and KNDS France, according to Amnesty.
The rights group has verified photos on social media showing these UAE-made armoured vehicles being captured or destroyed by the Sudanese army. Amnesty’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, stated that the use of French-manufactured weaponry in Sudan is concerning and could be a breach of the UN arms embargo. The embargo has been in place on Sudan’s Darfur region since 2004 due to allegations of ethnic cleansing by militias against the non-Arab population. Despite attempts to reach out to Lacroix Defence, KNDS France, and the French government for comment, no response has been provided regarding the findings.
In response to Amnesty’s report, an Emirati government spokesperson has denied the allegations, claiming that the UAE is the target of a disinformation campaign aimed at undermining their foreign policy and regional role. The spokesperson also called the accusations made by the Sudanese army against the UAE as outrageous and unacceptable. The Sudanese government had previously accused the UAE of fueling the civil war in Sudan by providing weapons to the paramilitary forces, which has been deemed credible by UN monitors. However, the UAE has refuted allegations of supplying arms to Sudan.
The civil war in Sudan began in April 2023, following escalating tensions between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces. Both sides have been accused of committing human rights violations and war crimes during the conflict. According to the UN, over 20,000 people have been killed, 33,000 injured, and 11.6 million forcibly displaced as a result of the war. This includes 8.3 million internally displaced individuals and 3.1 million refugees who have fled to neighboring countries. The situation in Sudan remains dire, with ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns persisting.
The use of military vehicles and technology manufactured by France and the UAE in Sudan’s civil war highlights the challenges of enforcing international arms embargoes and regulating the flow of weapons in conflict zones. The involvement of foreign powers in supplying arms to conflicting parties exacerbates the violence and prolongs the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. Efforts to hold accountable those responsible for violations of arms embargoes and human rights abuses in Sudan must be prioritized to bring an end to the conflict and provide justice for the victims. The international community plays a crucial role in monitoring and addressing the situation in Sudan to prevent further escalation of violence and protect the civilian population.
