The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has taken a grim turn as Amnesty International accuses France of potentially violating a United Nations arms embargo by supplying defense systems to the war-torn nation. The human rights group is calling on the French government to launch an urgent investigation into the use of French-made Galix systems by Sudan’s notorious Rapid Support Force (RSF) paramilitary group.
Galix Systems Fueling the Conflict?
The Galix defense system, manufactured by French companies Lacroix Defense and KNDS France, is designed to protect vehicles from close-range threats by deploying a combination of projectiles, smoke, and decoys. While France is permitted to export these systems to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Amnesty alleges that the UAE has been illegally transferring the Galix-equipped armored vehicles to Sudan, where they are being used by the RSF in the ongoing conflict.
The Galix System is being deployed by the RSF in this conflict, and any use in Darfur would be a clear breach of the UN arms embargo.
– Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International Secretary General
The RSF, formed from the notorious Janjaweed militias accused of genocide in Darfur, now controls almost all major cities in the region. The group stands accused of ethnic cleansing, sexual violence, looting, and arson as the conflict with the Sudanese government forces (SAF) rages on, displacing over 11 million people and claiming tens of thousands of lives since April 2023.
UN Arms Embargo “A Joke”
Despite the UN arms embargo on Darfur, which has been in place since 2004, weapons continue to flow into Sudan unabated. Cameron Hudson, a former Sudan adviser to the US government, described the embargo as “a joke,” noting that both the RSF and SAF have found ways to circumvent the restrictions.
Neither side started this war with enough weapons stocks to sustain the fighting for this long. Outside weapons flowing in are what is keeping the fighting going. And advanced weapons, not just artillery and ammunition, have made the conflict that much more deadly and widespread.
– Cameron Hudson, Former US Government Sudan Adviser
Amnesty International is urging the UN to take stronger action to enforce the embargo and prevent the further escalation of the conflict. The group has also called on all countries to immediately cease direct and indirect supplies of arms and ammunition to both warring parties.
UAE’s Role Under Scrutiny
The UAE, a key supplier of weapons to the RSF, has come under fire for its alleged role in fueling the conflict. Sudanese analyst Kholood Khair expressed concerns that weapons sold to the UAE may end up in the hands of the RSF, contributing to the atrocities being committed in Darfur.
The UAE does not seem concerned by this, despite UN reporting in January concluding that there is credible evidence that the UAE was sending weapons to the RSF for Darfur, in contravention of the UN sanctions while the UAE was in the UN security council.
– Kholood Khair, Sudanese Analyst
As the rainy season limits fighting, both sides are reportedly stockpiling arms in preparation for a renewed offensive. The international community must act swiftly to cut off the supply of weapons and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
France’s Responsibility
Amnesty International argues that France and the French companies supplying the Galix system have a moral and legal obligation to ensure their products are not being used to commit human rights abuses or violate international law. The French government must launch an immediate investigation into the use of these systems in Sudan and take action to prevent any further transfers.
The situation in Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the global arms trade on civilian populations trapped in conflict zones. As the international community grapples with the crisis, it is crucial that all nations prioritize the protection of human rights and adhere to their obligations under international law.
The world cannot stand idly by as the people of Sudan continue to suffer. It is time for decisive action to end the flow of weapons and bring about a lasting peace. The French government must lead by example and demonstrate its commitment to upholding the UN arms embargo and protecting civilians caught in the crossfire of this brutal conflict.
