French Tech, UAE Armor, and Sudan’s Conflict: Amnesty’s Alarming Findings

In the middle of Sudan’s devastating civil war, a surprising and concerning connection has emerged.

Amnesty International’s latest investigation reveals that French-made military tech is playing an active role on Sudan’s battlefields.

Specifically, the report highlights that armored personnel carriers (APCs) manufactured in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and equipped with French defense systems are being used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), one of the warring factions in the conflict.

This discovery, published on Thursday, November 14, raises serious questions about compliance with international arms embargoes and the responsibilities of nations and defense companies in conflict zones.

The French Connection: What’s Going On?

At the heart of the issue are Nimr Ajban APCs, built by the UAE’s Edge Group. These vehicles aren’t just tough—they’re smart, thanks to the Galix reactive defense system.

Manufactured by Lacroix Defense in France, Galix is designed to protect vehicles by releasing decoys, smoke, and projectiles to counter threats.

It’s cutting-edge tech, but here’s the catch: its presence on Sudan’s battlefield likely violates a UN arms embargo that’s been in place for decades.

The embargo, which prohibits the transfer of weapons to Sudan, was established to prevent exactly what’s happening now—the fueling of violent conflicts that cause immense human suffering.

Amnesty’s report shows verified photos of these APCs, some destroyed or captured, clearly displaying the Galix system.

Why This Matters

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has already displaced over 11 million people, including 8.3 million people internally and 3.1 million people who fled to neighboring countries, and claimed more than 20,000 lives, as reported by the UN in September.

In this brutal war, civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence, facing indiscriminate attacks and forced displacement.

Amnesty’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, didn’t mince words, pointing out how the use of French-made systems by RSF forces in Darfur breaches international law and exacerbates the suffering of Sudanese civilians.

This isn’t just about pointing fingers—it’s a call for accountability.

Amnesty is urging the French government to ensure companies like Lacroix Defense and KNDS France immediately halt the supply of military systems to the UAE, particularly if they can’t guarantee these weapons won’t end up in conflict zones like Sudan.

“All countries must immediately cease direct and indirect supplies of all arms and ammunition to the warring parties in Sudan,” said Callamard.

The UAE and Its Defense Deals

The UAE isn’t new to the arms trade spotlight.

Between 2014 and 2023, French companies delivered an estimated €2.6 billion (around $2.77 billion) worth of military equipment to the Gulf nation.

The UAE has a history of violating arms embargoes, notably in Libya and now, according to Amnesty, in Sudan. Yet, they deny any wrongdoing, calling Amnesty’s findings part of a “coordinated disinformation campaign.”

But the facts speak for themselves.

According to the report, cited by The Associated Press, the UAE-based Tradive General Trading LLC, controlled by a senior RSF leader, imported vehicles retrofitted with weapons for combat.

Despite these allegations, the UAE insists it’s focused on humanitarian aid in Sudan.

Amnesty Warns: Time for Action

Amnesty International is not just raising awareness; it’s calling for real change. They want the UN Security Council to expand the current arms embargo on Darfur to cover all of Sudan.

The idea is simple: stop the flow of weapons fueling this devastating conflict.

Amnesty is also urging all countries to halt direct or indirect arms transfers to Sudan’s warring factions.

But it’s not just about governments. Defense companies have a responsibility, too.

Amnesty highlights the need for stricter human rights due diligence, ensuring that their products don’t end up prolonging conflicts or violating international laws.

Final Thoughts

The situation in Sudan is a stark reminder of how the global arms trade can have devastating local impacts. What might seem like a distant geopolitical issue quickly becomes a life-or-death reality for millions on the ground. With the world’s largest displacement crisis unfolding in Sudan, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Amnesty’s findings should be a wake-up call for governments and defense companies alike. Ensuring that military technology doesn’t end up in the wrong hands isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a moral one.

The question now is whether the international community will step up or continue to look the other way.