New Investigation Reveals Arms Flow into Sudan Amid Ongoing Conflict

LONDON, United Kingdom – A recent investigation by Amnesty International has uncovered a continuous influx of weapons into Sudan, exacerbating the ongoing conflict and resulting in severe civilian suffering. The briefing, titled “New Weapons Fuelling the Sudan Conflict,” highlights the alarming presence of arms from countries including China, Russia, Serbia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen, many of which are in violation of the existing arms embargo on Darfur.

Amnesty International’s findings indicate that recently manufactured or transferred weapons and ammunition are being imported into Sudan in significant quantities, some of which are then diverted to conflict zones such as Darfur. This influx of arms has contributed to the death of over 16,650 people since the escalation of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023. The violence has also displaced over 11 million people internally, with millions facing immediate risk of famine.

Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Regional Human Rights Impact, emphasized the dire humanitarian implications. He said:

“The constant flow of arms into Sudan is causing civilian death and suffering on an immense scale. Our research shows that these weapons are in the hands of combatants accused of violating international humanitarian and human rights laws.”

Ineffectiveness of the Darfur Arms Embargo

Amnesty International’s analysis of more than 1,900 shipment records, along with interviews with arms experts, reveals that the current Darfur arms embargo is inadequate. The organization tracked a range of lethal weapons, including handguns, shotguns, and rifles, being used by warring forces in Sudan. Notably, advanced drone jammers, mortars, and anti-materiel rifles from China have been utilized by both the SAF and RSF.

Muchena called for an urgent expansion of the arms embargo to cover all of Sudan, stressing the need for enhanced monitoring and verification mechanisms. “This is a humanitarian crisis that cannot be ignored. The world must act to prevent further civilian suffering and potential famine,” he said.

Global Arms Trade and Illicit Diversion

The investigation highlights a troubling trend of small arms, typically marketed for civilian use, being diverted to government forces and armed opposition groups in Sudan. For instance, civilian variants of firearms produced by Russian and Turkish manufacturers have found their way into the hands of combatants. Companies in Türkiye, such as Sarsilmaz and Derya Arms, have exported hunting shotguns and rifles to Sudan, some of which have been documented in use by the RSF.

In one documented case, a video posted by the RSF shows a soldier wielding a BRG 55 rifle, manufactured by the Turkish company Burgu Metal. Amnesty International also found evidence of recently manufactured Chinese mortars being used in East Darfur, indicating widespread distribution of these arms across conflict zones in Sudan.

 Call for International Action

Amnesty International urges the United Nations Security Council to expand the arms embargo to encompass all of Sudan, strengthening mechanisms to prevent the international transfer and illicit diversion of arms. The organization also calls on all states and corporate actors to cease supplying arms and ammunition to Sudan, including firearms marketed for civilian use.

“By supplying arms to Sudan, states party to the Arms Trade Treaty, such as China and Serbia, are violating their legal obligations under the treaty, undermining efforts to regulate the global arms trade,”

“By supplying arms to Sudan, states party to the Arms Trade Treaty, such as China and Serbia, are violating their legal obligations under the treaty, undermining efforts to regulate the global arms trade,” Muchena stated.

The briefing concludes with a call for immediate international intervention to halt the arms flow into Sudan, stressing that without decisive action, the humanitarian crisis will only deepen, with more civilians caught in the crossfire of a relentless conflict.