Amnesty International has revealed that French weaponry is being deployed by the RSF in Sudan’s civil war, breaching a UN arms embargo. The Galix defense system, made in France, is used against Sudan’s army in Darfur. Amnesty urges the French government to stop supplying these weapons and calls for an expanded arms embargo to safeguard against human rights violations.
Amnesty International has reported that French military technology is being utilized in the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, which is in violation of a United Nations arms embargo. According to the organization, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia has employed vehicles equipped with the Galix defense system, manufactured in France, during their operations against Sudan’s regular army in the Darfur region. Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty, stated, “Our research shows that weaponry designed and manufactured in France is in active use on the battlefield in Sudan.” While French authorities have yet to respond to the allegations, the UAE has previously denied claims concerning arms supply to the RSF. The Galix defense system is a countermeasure against close-range assaults and has reportedly been used by the RSF amidst accusations of ethnic cleansing. Amnesty has highlighted the necessity for the French government to halt the system’s supply to the UAE and has called for enhanced arms embargo protocols to prevent further violations. It was noted that the UN imposed an initial embargo on arms in Darfur in 2004, prompting Amnesty to advocate for its expansion across Sudan in light of a civil war that erupted last year.
The civil war in Sudan, which escalated in April 2023, has involved violent confrontations between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Initiated as a power struggle between former allies, the conflict has resulted in widespread human rights violations, including allegations of ethnic cleansing attributed to the RSF. Reports indicate that the use of advanced military technology, such as those produced in France, may exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Sudan. The significance of the existing arms embargo underscores the international community’s efforts to regulate arms transfers to conflict zones, particularly in light of past mandates aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, Amnesty International’s assertion regarding the use of French weapons in Sudan highlights significant breaches of international arms regulations and raises urgent concerns about human rights violations in the ongoing conflict. The allegations that the RSF is utilizing French-manufactured military technology to further their campaign in Darfur reinforces the critical need for stricter arms control and accountability to safeguard civilians. The international community must respond decisively to prevent further escalation and protect human rights in Sudan.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
