UN Report Finds Outside Forces Fuel Sudan Conflict
A UN report states foreign recruitment and military support networks are fueling the Sudan war, enhancing the capabilities of both the SAF and RSF with
Foreign recruitment and external support networks are fueling the brutal conflict in Sudan. This is the finding of a new report from UN independent human rights investigators, released on Thursday.
The report from the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan states this external action is strengthening the military capabilities of the warring parties. It enables increasingly sophisticated operations with devastating consequences for civilians. The investigators call for accountability as fighting continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Transnational Support Networks
The mission documented the involvement of transnational entities operating in several countries. These entities are recruiting, training, and deploying foreign personnel to support the RSF. They are also help the transfer of weapons, ammunition, and military technology while providing logistical support.
The report concluded there are reasonable grounds to believe the SAF used foreign-supplied drones in operations that harmed civilians and civilian objects. According to the mission, States linked to these supply chains have strict international legal obligations. They must exercise due diligence, investigate, and stop illicit mercenary and supply networks operating from or through their territories.
“The consequences of this external support are being felt most acutely by civilians,” said Mohamad Chande Othman, Chair of the Fact-Finding Mission. He stated the support has not brought greater protection. Instead, civilians pay the price through attacks on homes, hospitals, schools, markets, and places of refuge.
Foreign Personnel and Enhanced Capabilities
The mission said it documented the deployment of up to 2,000 former Colombian military contractors. These individuals were directly involved in operating combat drones, artillery, and advanced weapons alongside RSF units in Darfur and Kordofan.
Expert member Mona Rishmawi said the mission identified “a transnational chain of networks spanning several countries” providing the RSF with foreign personnel, training, weapons, and logistics. She linked this support to RSF operations in Zamzam camp and later during the takeover of El-Fasher. There, the Mission documented grave violations and international crimes, including conduct displaying hallmarks of genocide.
The report also found foreign suppliers have substantially enhanced the drone capabilities of both the RSF and the SAF. This enables them to strike far beyond front lines.
Calls for Action and Accountability
The investigators called on States to enforce the existing arms embargo on Darfur. They urged a halt to military transfers where there is a substantial risk of contributing to serious violations. The report also calls for investigations into individuals and entities involved in illicit support networks and strengthened accountability measures.
The mission urged the UN Security Council to extend the arms embargo to cover all of Sudan. Chair Mohamad Chande Othman recalled that the international community has received repeated warnings about the violations in Sudan. “Those warnings must now translate into action,” he said. He argued that protecting civilians requires action against those waging the war and the networks that enable its continuation.
