The Sudan Liberation Movement reported that its fighters intercepted a weapons convoy intended for the Rapid Support Forces in Darfur and accused the UAE of complicity in arming the RSF. Seized materials included combat vehicles and missiles, indicative of the RSF’s reliance on external support, notably from the UAE, amid ongoing conflicts in the area.
On November 21, 2024, the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) announced that its fighters, part of the Darfur Joint Force, successfully intercepted a weapons convoy allegedly transporting arms from Chad to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur. The SLM, led by Minni Minawi, accused the United Arab Emirates of supporting the RSF through these smuggling operations. The seizure occurred in the arid region adjacent to Chad and Libya, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding arms trafficking in the area.
The weapons retrieved included combat vehicles, ammunition, and Kornet anti-tank guided missiles, along with personal documents linked to a Colombian national. According to the SLM, the RSF utilizes the expansive desert for military logistics to equip its operations throughout Sudan. A statement issued by the SLM emphasized the importance of border security and countering smuggling activities that threaten the stability of Sudan.
The Sudanese government has echoed these claims, alleging that the UAE has been supplying weapons to the RSF through Chad, further exacerbating the conflict in the region. The RSF, currently engaged in combat against various armed factions in Darfur, is under scrutiny for its reliance on foreign arms and mercenaries to sustain its operations.
The ongoing conflict in Darfur has seen various factions vying for control and influence, with the RSF playing a significant role since re-emerging in 2023. This paramilitary group, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has been condemned for its actions and alleged violations of human rights. The complexity of the conflict is compounded by external actors such as the UAE, which has faced accusations of providing military assistance and supporting destabilizing activities in Sudan. The interception of arms convoys showcases the challenges faced by Sudan in addressing issues of security and territory integrity amidst ongoing violence.
The interception of the arms convoy by the Darfur Joint Force underscores the serious issues of arms trafficking and foreign involvement in the Sudanese conflict. The allegations against the UAE highlight the international dimension of the conflict, as regional powers appear to play a role in exacerbating tensions in Sudan. The situation remains fluid, and the ongoing efforts of various forces in the region will be crucial in shaping the future of stability in Sudan.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
