Amnesty International has identified UAE-manufactured APCs equipped with French defense systems in Sudan, raising concerns about U.N. arms embargo violations. These vehicles, aiding the RSF against the SAF during the civil war, have prompted calls for immediate action from governments and oversight bodies, amid substantial humanitarian crises in the region.
Amnesty International has reported the presence of armored vehicles manufactured in the United Arab Emirates and equipped with French defense systems in Sudan, raising concerns about potential violations of a United Nations arms embargo. Captured during the ongoing civil war, these UAE-made armored personnel carriers (APCs) have been identified in various regions, particularly Darfur, where they have reportedly aided the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in conflicts against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Amnesty’s conclusions stem from verified images revealing these vehicles being utilized on the battlefield, indicating likely violations of international arms regulations that forbid military equipment transfers to Sudan. This civil unrest in Sudan erupted in April 2023, following heightened tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese military. The ongoing conflict has led to severe humanitarian crises, with over 20,000 casualties and millions displaced, prompting international scrutiny over military support provided to the warring factions. The UAE has denied allegations of supplying the RSF with weapons, which they claim has prolonged the conflict. However, Amnesty asserts that the involvement of French-manufactured systems in these engagements warrants immediate action to uphold U.N. regulations against arms transfers. Amnesty’s report identified the Nimr Ajban APCs, manufactured by Edge Group in the UAE, which utilize the Galix reactive defense system made by French firms Lacroix Defense and KNDS France. The Galix system serves to protect military vehicles against incoming threats through various defensive measures. Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, emphasized the necessity for the French government to curtail any further supply of these systems to the UAE, underscoring the breach of the U.N. arms embargo that such actions would constitute. In response, the UAE government labeled the accusations as part of an orchestrated disinformation campaign, firmly denying any connections to the ongoing conflict. They portrayed their efforts as humanitarian rather than military, dismissing claims of weapon support to the RSF or any involved parties. Recent U.S. sanctions targeting prominent RSF leaders further reflect the international community’s concern over arms supplies amid the turmoil in Sudan.
The civil war in Sudan has been devastating, resulting in a humanitarian crisis with significant loss of life and displacement. The conflict is largely attributed to power struggles between military factions, particularly the RSF and SAF. International laws, such as the U.N. arms embargo, aim to prevent the flow of arms to regions experiencing such conflicts, emphasizing the importance of monitoring foreign military support to ensure compliance. The allegations surrounding the UAE’s role in supplying modern weaponry add complexity to the war, highlighting the intertwined nature of international relations and regional instability.
Amnesty International’s findings suggest that foreign military equipment, specifically French systems, is implicated in the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan. These revelations not only raise questions about compliance with U.N. regulations but also highlight the urgent need for accountability regarding arms supplies in conflict zones. The positions taken by both the UAE and Amnesty reflect the broader challenges faced in addressing human rights violations and maintaining peace in an increasingly fraught international landscape.
Original Source: apnews.com
