Amnesty International called on the United Nations on July 25th, 2024, to extend the arms embargo from the Darfur region to the entirety of Sudan. This move aims to “halt the delivery of ammunition and weapons” to a country embroiled in a bloody conflict between rival generals since April 15th, 2023.
The constant flow of weapons into Sudan has exacerbated a conflict that has lasted for fifteen months. The war pits the regular army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, against paramilitary forces known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. This conflict has resulted in nearly 17,000 casualties, according to a report published by Amnesty International on July 25, 2024.
Amnesty International reports that newly manufactured weapons are being sold to Sudan and circulate freely within the country, often violating the UN arms embargo on Darfur and the Arms Trade Treaty. The report documents significant imports of arms and ammunition from China, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen. These weapons are sometimes transferred to Darfur, a region under an embargo.
Both warring factions receive these weapons: drone jammers and Chinese rocket launchers are used by both sides; Emirati armored vehicles are delivered to the paramilitaries; Russian automatic rifles and Turkish light arms, including pistols and carbines, are sold to the army.
Amnesty International urges an extension of the arms embargo to cover the entire Sudanese territory. The NGO highlights instances where weapons were delivered just months ago, in clear violation of the Arms Trade Treaty. The organization demands that manufacturers ensure their weapons are not used against civilians.
The report also points to the involvement of neighboring countries—South Sudan, Libya, and the Central African Republic—in the transit of these arms. Chad faces accusations of allowing Emirati planes to land on its soil, transporting weapons, ammunition, and supplies to the Rapid Support Forces in Darfur.
Amnesty International calls for a nationwide arms embargo in Sudan and reminds manufacturers of their obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty to ensure their weapons are not used against civilians.
The report underscores the urgent need for international action to curb the flow of arms fueling the devastating conflict in Sudan, emphasizing the responsibility of global arms manufacturers and neighboring states in this ongoing crisis.