Amnesty International’s investigation reveals that APCs with French weapons systems from the UAE are being used in Sudan, possibly violating the UN arms embargo. The report highlights a significant breach of international law, urging France to stop all arms deliveries to the UAE and calling for the UN Security Council to expand its embargo to cover all of Sudan.
A recent investigation by Amnesty International has revealed that French-made military technology is being utilized in armored personnel carriers (APCs) supplied by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for operations in Sudan, likely violating the United Nations arms embargo on Darfur. The organization has documented the use of Nimr Ajban APCs, produced by the Edge Group in the UAE, which are equipped with the French Galix defense system. These findings underscore the serious implications of international trade in arms, particularly in conflict zones, and the moral responsibilities of manufacturers and governments in such contexts. Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, stated that the deployment of such weaponry by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan constitutes a clear breach of the embargo, urging France to halt the supply of the Galix system to the UAE, given its complicity in facilitating human rights violations.
The use of foreign-manufactured military systems in conflict zones raises urgent concerns about compliance with international arms regulations. Since 1994, the European Union has enforced an arms embargo against Sudan, prohibiting the sale of weaponry that could contribute to further human suffering amid ongoing violence. The relationship between France and the UAE in the arms trade is extensive, with French companies reportedly supplying billions in military equipment. Amnesty International emphasizes the necessity for rigorous adherence to human rights standards in these transactions, particularly regarding end-user certification and the potential for re-exportation to conflict regions.
In summary, Amnesty International’s findings point to a significant breach of the UN arms embargo in Sudan, highlighting the responsibility of countries and corporations in the arms trade to uphold international law and human rights. The organization calls for immediate action to cease arms supplies to the conflicting parties in Sudan, advocating for a broader arms embargo to cover the entire country to protect innocent civilians.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
