A new report by Amnesty International reveals that French-manufactured weapons systems, specifically the Galix System, are being utilized by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, potentially violating the UN arms embargo on Darfur. The investigation highlights urgent calls for the cessation of arms supplies amid a humanitarian crisis caused by escalating violence.
Amnesty International has reported that French-manufactured military technology is currently employed on the battlefield in Sudan, specifically within armoured personnel carriers (APCs) utilized by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development indicates a possible infringement of the UN arms embargo on Darfur, particularly concerning the Galix System, a French-designed defensive technology integrated into these APCs. The findings suggest a complicated interplay of international defense relations, as the equipment in question is delivered via the United Arab Emirates, raising urgent concerns over ongoing arms supplies amidst an escalating humanitarian crisis. The Nimr Ajban APCs, manufactured in the UAE, now incorporate the Galix System, which releases smoke and decoy projectiles designed to protect vehicles from imminent threats. Visual evidence supports the presence of this system in captured or destroyed APCs in the conflict zone. Given that the exportation of arms to Sudan is heavily restricted, Amnesty calls for immediate actions to halt any potential weapon supplies to the conflicting parties, reaffirming their commitment to protecting civilians caught in this ongoing crisis. The backdrop of this situation can be traced back to the outbreak of hostilities in Sudan in April 2023, resulting in significant carnage with over 23,000 reported deaths and millions displaced. The present configuration of these hostilities has elicited a global initiative led by Amnesty International advocating for an extension and scrutiny of the existing arms embargo to encompass the entirety of Sudan, aiming to mitigate further humanitarian suffering and enforce accountability. The recent analyses underscore a critical failing of international export regulations, particularly by France, which, under its national obligations, must ensure that arms are not diverted to parties implicated in human rights violations. This responsibility also extends to corporations, including Lacroix Defense and KNDS France, emphasizing the need for enhanced due diligence in arms trading involving conflict zones. Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, articulated concerns stating, “Our research shows that weaponry designed and manufactured in France is in active use on the battlefield in Sudan…. The French government must ensure that Lacroix Defense and KNDS France immediately stop the supply of this system to the UAE.” Following a documented history of the UAE’s involvement in breaching arms embargoes, including those pertaining to Sudan and Libya, there is an urgent need for comprehensive action to prevent the proliferation of arms that exacerbate conflict and violate human rights.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has its roots in a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began to escalate significantly in April 2023. This conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis marked by widespread violence and mass displacement, affecting millions of innocent civilians. The international community, particularly organizations like Amnesty International, are deeply concerned about the implications of arms supplies during this conflict, noting that the UN Security Council has long maintained an arms embargo specific to Darfur. The emergence of advanced military systems, particularly from foreign manufacturers, signals a troubling trend of military technologies being utilized in violation of international arms transfer regulations.
In summary, the report by Amnesty International unveils critical violations of the UN arms embargo against Sudan, spotlighting the involvement of French arms manufacturers whose technologies are deployed by the RSF. With humanitarian suffering intensifying amid ongoing conflict, there is an immediate need for stringent enforcement of arms regulations to safeguard civilian lives. The international community’s continued vigilance is essential to prevent the misuse of military equipment in conflict-affected regions and to uphold human rights standards in arms trading practices.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
