Written by Lisa Murimi
A UN investigation is underway after mortar rounds seized from a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) convoy in North Darfur were traced back to a 2019 Bulgarian shipment to the United Arab Emirates, raising new concerns about arms diversion in Sudan’s brutal conflict.
Photos and videos shared online by pro-government militias showed mortar rounds with serial numbers matching those exported by Bulgaria to the UAE.
Bulgaria confirmed the match, stating no authorization was given to re-export the weapons to Sudan.
“We adamantly declare that the Bulgarian authority has not issued an export license for defence-related products to Sudan,” said the foreign ministry.
The RSF has been accused of atrocities, and Sudan’s government recently filed a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, alleging the Gulf state violated the Genocide Convention by arming the RSF. Hearings began last week.
The UAE denies the allegations and cited a UN report claiming there is “no substantiated evidence” of UAE arms reaching the RSF.
However, Emirati officials declined to provide cargo manifests for 15 flights into Chad requested by UN investigators, citing time constraints.
With millions displaced and tens of thousands killed, the international community is now watching closely.
The origin of the seized munitions could be key in determining external involvement in Sudan’s war, as the UN panel continues to examine links between arms flows, foreign actors, and alleged war crimes in Darfur.
