The UN Fact Finding Mission on Sudan has called for expanding the existing Darfur arms embargo to cover the entire country, warning that foreign military support is fuelling a devastating conflict in which both sides may have committed war crimes. Mohamed Chande Othman, the mission’s chair, delivered the stark assessment to the Human Rights Council’s 63rd session in Geneva on Monday.
Many documented violations amount to international crimes, Othman told delegates at the Palais des Nations. What’s more troubling is that responsibility could extend to those financing, supplying, or enabling these atrocities. The mission has identified a cross-border network involving the United Arab Emirates, Chad, and Libya, with evidence suggesting weapons have been supplied to Nyala.
Drones have transformed the battlefield. The growing use of long-range drones, Othman said, has had devastating consequences for civilians and essential services. Colombian nationals have reportedly been recruited to operate drones and provide training for the Rapid Support Forces, while investigations into external backing for the Sudanese Armed Forces continue.
Sudan’s government rejects any equivalence between the warring parties. They maintain the conflict persists primarily because of external support for the Rapid Support Forces. The mission continues investigating s in El Obeid, Kadugli, Ed Daein, and Yabus, where civilians have been forced to flee their homes.
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