A recent Amnesty International investigation has uncovered the utilization of French-manufactured Galix defense systems in armored personnel carriers by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. This involvement likely contravenes the EU’s arms embargo prohibiting arms transfers to the country amid its ongoing conflict, which has resulted in significant human suffering and displacement.
Amnesty International’s latest investigation reveals the use of French-manufactured military technology in Sudan amidst ongoing conflict, thereby likely violating the UN arms embargo. The research shows that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are employing Beret vehicles equipped with the French Galix reactive defense system, which is intended for land forces to enhance protection against threats. The presence of these armoured personnel carriers (APCs), manufactured in the United Arab Emirates, and the involvement of French companies raise critical concerns regarding the compliance with international arms control regulations. The Galix System, produced by Lacroix Defense and KNDS France, is integrated into Nimr Ajban APCs. Images corroborated by Amnesty show the Galix System on several APCs captured or destroyed by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Amnesty’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, emphasizes the need for immediate cessation of arms supplies to Sudan, highlighting the humanitarian crisis stemming from the influx of weaponry. Amnesty International has previously documented the extensive human suffering inflicted by arms supplied to conflict zones, particularly in Sudan, which is currently facing severe humanitarian challenges. With more than 23,000 dead and millions displaced due to the ongoing violence, the call for stricter enforcement of compliance with the arms embargo has become more urgent. Given the ongoing arms export from France to the UAE, it is crucial for the French government to ensure that associates involved in weapons production do not facilitate the delivery of arms to parties involved in the Sudan conflict. Amnesty International has urged regulatory frameworks to be strengthened to prevent any re-export of arms that could potentially lead to human rights abuses.
The conflict in Sudan escalated in April 2023, with a violent confrontation erupting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since the outbreak of this violent struggle, over 23,000 deaths have been reported, and millions have been displaced, resulting in a humanitarian catastrophe. The European Union imposed an arms embargo on Sudan in 1994, which prohibits the sale or supply of weapons to ensure compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law. However, the investigation by Amnesty International highlights a breach of this embargo through the involvement of French military technology in the conflict.
In conclusion, the deployment of French-manufactured military systems in Sudan’s ongoing conflict raises serious legal and ethical questions regarding the compliance with international arms control agreements. Amnesty International’s findings underscore the necessity for immediate action to halt arms supplies, protect civilians, and uphold human rights in Sudan. The French government and companies involved in arms manufacturing must take responsibility to prevent their weapons from contributing to further violence and humanitarian distress in the region.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
