UAE Accused of Supplying Chinese Weapons to Sudan in Violation of Arms Embargo
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is allegedly providing Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with cutting-edge Chinese-made weapons, according to a recent Amnesty International study, even though a UN arms embargo forbids such transfers. The weapons, reportedly captured in Khartoum and identified in active use in North Darfur, include GB50A guided bombs and 155mm AH-4 howitzers — both manufactured by China’s state-owned defence company Norinco Group.
This is the first confirmed instance of the GB50A bombs being used in an active conflict. Amnesty International stressed that the presence of these recently manufactured munitions points to a breach of international law and calls for accountability from both the UAE and China. As a signatory to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), China is urged to halt any arms sales to the UAE to prevent further re-export to Sudan’s conflict zones.
Amnesty’s crisis research chief, Brian Castner, described the situation as a “clear violation” of the arms embargo, emphasizing that civilians continue to suffer because of global inaction. He urged the UAE to cease all arms transfers to the RSF immediately, stating that until that happens, all international arms sales to the UAE should be suspended.
Sudan Cuts Diplomatic Ties with UAE
Despite a United Nations arms embargo that forbids such transfers, a recent Amnesty International investigation has shown that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is allegedly providing Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) with cutting-edge weapons manufactured in China. The move also came in the wake of drone attacks on Port Sudan — the country’s de facto capital — which targeted its international airport and the Osman Digna airbase.
Though the RSF has not claimed responsibility for the strikes, Sudanese authorities suspect the use of drones previously acquired by the UAE. The deployment of a Chinese-made GB50A guided bomb in the attack was confirmed by Amnesty International.
Since April 2023, the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been at war, and both sides have been charged with grave violations of human rights. Tens of thousands of Sudanese have been killed and over 12.5 million have been displaced as a result of atrocities, including mass sexual violence and ethnic cleansing, committed by the RSF in particular.
Broader Geopolitical Concerns
Regional experts have voiced concern over the UAE’s long-term strategy. Abdullahi Halakhe of Refugees International stated that the UAE’s support of armed groups like the RSF is part of its broader effort to suppress democratic movements in the region — as seen in Libya and the aftermath of the Arab Spring. However, he warned that the RSF’s growing notoriety might eventually force the UAE to abandon its support.
“A collapsed Sudan is not in their interests either,” Halakhe noted, stressing that the UAE’s involvement is increasingly seen as destabilizing and unsustainable.