Amnesty International reported that UAE-made armored vehicles with French defense systems were used by Sudan’s RSF, likely violating U.N. arms embargo. The ongoing civil war has caused over 20,000 deaths and 11.6 million displacements. The UAE denies involvement in supplying arms, while Amnesty urges stopping the supply chain to the UAE.
Amnesty International has reported that armored vehicles produced by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and fitted with French defense systems have been captured by the Sudanese army during the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan. In a recent statement, the organization noted that these UAE-made armored personnel carriers (APCs) were used by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in battles against Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF), primarily in various regions including Darfur. Amnesty contends that the deployment of these military vehicles likely breaches the United Nations arms embargo, which prohibits the transfer of weaponry to Sudan. The civil war erupted in April 2023 due to escalating tensions between the RSF and the SAF, leading to severe human rights violations across the country. According to the United Nations, more than 20,000 individuals have lost their lives in this conflict, and approximately 11.6 million people have been displaced, including over 3 million fleeing to neighboring countries. Allegations of UAE supplying weapons to the RSF have been categorically denied by the UAE government. Amnesty International’s investigation confirmed the presence of Nimr Ajban APCs on the battlefield, having verified images from social media that depicted these vehicles either captured or destroyed by the Sudanese military. The report indicates that these vehicles were manufactured by the UAE’s Edge Group and are equipped with the Galix reactive defense system, which is produced in France by Lacroix Defense and KNDS France. The Galix system is engineered to safeguard vehicles by deploying projectiles, smoke, and decoys to counter threats, as detailed by Lacroix’s official resources. Agnès Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International, stated, “Our research shows that weaponry designed and manufactured in France is in active use on the battlefield in Sudan.” She highlighted that the deployment of the Galix system by the RSF represents a significant violation of the U.N. arms embargo, urging the French government to act against the supply chain to the UAE. In response to these findings, a spokesperson for the Emirati government emphasized that the allegations against the UAE are unfounded, describing them as part of a strategic misinformation campaign aiming to discredit the UAE’s foreign policies and humanitarian efforts in Sudan. The spokesperson further asserted that the UAE has consistently communicated to the U.N. Security Council that it does not provide any support to the RSF or any other combatant factions in Sudan. Recently, the United States imposed sanctions on Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa, a senior RSF leader, for orchestrating efforts to supply arms during the conflict. Algoney allegedly operates Tradive General Trading LLC, a company utilizing UAE connections to import and arm vehicles for the RSF.
This situation arises from a complex civil war in Sudan that began in April 2023, rooted in long-standing tensions between military factions. The conflict has caused severe humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and thousands killed. Amnesty International’s findings underscore concerns over international arms transfers in violation of U.N. embargoes, highlighting the potentially significant role that external defense systems play in the internal strife of conflict regions like Sudan. The UAE’s involvement in arms supply to the RSF is under scrutiny amid broader geopolitical implications regarding arms transparency and international humanitarian law compliance.
In summary, Amnesty International’s report raises serious concerns regarding potential violations of the U.N. arms embargo through the presence of French defense systems in UAE-manufactured APCs utilized by the RSF in Sudan’s civil war. The alarming statistics regarding loss of life and displacement signify a humanitarian disaster that requires urgent attention. The UAE’s categorical denial of allegations of supplying these arms calls for a thorough investigation into the flow of military aid in the region to uphold international laws.
Original Source: apnews.com
