Darfur Joint Force Intercepts Weapons Convoy, Accuses UAE of Supporting RSF

The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) reported that its forces in the Darfur Joint Force intercepted a weapons convoy allegedly destined for the RSF, implicating the UAE in the arms supply. This operation, conducted in a desert area, aimed to curb smuggling and secure Sudan’s borders from external threats. The SLM provided evidence of the seized equipment and highlighted the RSF’s dependence on foreign sources for arms.

On November 21, 2024, the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) announced that its forces within the Darfur Joint Force successfully intercepted a convoy purportedly transporting weapons from Chad to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur. The SLM accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of providing support to the RSF. The operation occurred in a desert region near Chad and Libya, where RSF allegedly utilizes the expansive terrain for weapon transfers to their operatives across Sudan. The SLM’s statement emphasized their ongoing efforts to protect Sudan’s borders from arms smuggling and related criminal activities. They released videos displaying seized military assets, including combat vehicles, ammunition, and Kornet anti-tank missiles, along with a Colombian military identity card and a passport indicating travel from Dubai. Additionally, the Sudanese government previously accused the UAE of arming the RSF by way of Chad, contributing to ongoing regional instability. The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has been engaged in conflict alongside the Sudanese army since the resumption of hostilities in 2023.

The conflict in Darfur has persisted for years, marked by violent confrontations between the Sudanese military and various armed groups, particularly the RSF. The SLM aims to address grievances stemming from the alleged oppression and marginalization faced by communities in the region. The involvement of external actors, notably the UAE, complicates the situation, as allegations of arms supplies exacerbate local tensions and raise concerns about foreign influence in Sudan’s internal conflicts. The interception of the weapons convoy underscores the ongoing challenge of arms smuggling across borders in this volatile area.

This recent interception by the Darfur Joint Force highlights the challenges faced by Sudan in terms of border security and arms proliferation among paramilitary groups. The accusations against the UAE suggest a significant external influence that may be contributing to regional instability. As the SLM and other forces strive to maintain order, continued scrutiny of foreign involvement in Sudan’s internal matters will be imperative to understanding the long-term implications for peace and security in the region.

Original Source: sudantribune.com