Amnesty International has revealed that French military technology is being used in Sudan’s civil war by the Rapid Support Forces, violating a UN arms embargo. The Galix defense system, supplied via UAE vehicles, poses risks for severe human rights violations. France is urged to halt exports, while the conflict between RSF and Sudan’s army has led to widespread atrocities and displacement.
Amnesty International has reported that French military technology is being utilized in the ongoing civil war in Sudan, infringing upon a United Nations arms embargo. The organization claims that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia is employing vehicles equipped with the French-made Galix defense system, which is intended to protect land forces from short-range attacks, amid intense conflict with the Sudanese army. Human rights advocates emphasize that these weapons could facilitate severe violations of human rights and have demanded that France halt any further supply of this technology to the United Arab Emirates, the intermediary supplying the RSF. French authorities remain silent regarding these allegations, while the UAE has previously denied providing arms to the RSF. Amnesty has also called for the extension of the existing UN arms embargo to encompass the entire Sudan, highlighting the urgent need for stringent monitoring given the civil strife that escalated last year. The RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has waged war against Sudan’s national army, resulting in significant casualties and displacing millions since their conflict began in April 2023. Both factions, accused of committing war crimes and ethnic cleansing, continue to operate with devastating impacts on civilians in Sudan.
The conflict in Sudan has its roots in a struggle for power following a military coup in 2021. In April 2023, tensions culminated in an armed confrontation between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, leading to a profound humanitarian crisis characterized by widespread killings, population displacement, and severe human rights violations. The international community has reacted with calls for arms embargoes, particularly highlighting the need to monitor the flow of weapons into the region to prevent further escalation of violence and abuses. The Galix system, developed by French defense contractors, has emerged in reports as a significant contributor to ongoing conflicts when employed in combat situations.
In summation, the use of French military technology by the RSF in Sudan raises serious concerns regarding compliance with international arms embargoes and the accountability of nations supplying arms amidst conflict. Amnesty International’s revelations underscore the urgent need for stringent export controls to prevent the re-exportation of weapons to conflict zones and to protect the lives of civilians. Moreover, the call to expand the arms embargo to all of Sudan reflects the growing awareness of the complexities and dire consequences of external arms supplies in exacerbating local conflicts.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
