The Darfur Joint Force intercepted a weapons convoy allegedly supporting the RSF, accusing the UAE of involvement. This operation highlighted ongoing smuggling issues and the role of external actors in Sudan’s conflict. Significant military equipment was seized, raising alarms about the RSF’s reliance on foreign arms supplies.
On November 21, 2024, the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) announced that its forces, partaking in the Darfur Joint Force, successfully intercepted a convoy alleged to be transporting arms from Chad to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur. The SLM, under the leadership of Minni Minawi, claimed that the operation occurred in a desert region bordering Chad and Libya, where the RSF reportedly utilizes the expansive area to facilitate military supplies into Sudan.
The SLM stated, “Within the framework of the Joint Force’s continuous efforts to secure Sudan’s borders and protect its lands from smuggling and terrorism attempts, your joint forces…were able to thwart an attempt to smuggle large quantities of weapons.”
Evidence provided by the SLM included videos showcasing combat vehicles, ammunition, and Kornet anti-tank guided missiles, as well as a Colombian military identity card and passport that bore an exit visa from Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai dated October.
The Sudanese government has accused the United Arab Emirates of facilitating the supply of weapons to the RSF through Chad and subsequently smuggling them into Sudan. The SLM affirmed, “This failed attempt clearly highlights the continued reliance of the Rapid Support militia on external sources for arms supplies and its support with mercenary elements to destabilize the security and stability of Sudan,” reflecting grave concerns over the impact of foreign involvement in the region’s ongoing conflict.
Since the escalation of violence in 2023, the RSF, commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has been in combat alongside the Sudanese army against various armed factions throughout Darfur. The allegations against the UAE, which have yet to elicit a response, demonstrate the complexity of the conflict and the intricate regional dynamics that complicate peace efforts in Sudan.
The situation in Darfur has been fraught with conflict since the re-eruption of violence in 2023. The RSF, a prominent paramilitary group, has engaged in clashes against various armed factions, contributing to a humanitarian crisis in the region. Allegations of external arming, particularly from the UAE, point to the intricate interplay of local and international involvement in the ongoing strife, suggesting a broader geopolitical context in which these conflicts are situated. This recent seizure of arms reflects the continued volatility and the involvement of foreign entities in Sudan’s security dilemmas.
The interception of the convoy by the Darfur Joint Force underscores the ongoing challenges Sudan faces concerning arms smuggling and external support for armed groups like the RSF. The accusations against the UAE with regard to supplying weapons further complicate the situation, highlighting the interconnected nature of local conflicts and global geopolitical interests. Continued vigilance and strategic action will be essential as Sudan seeks to secure peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
