The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has been urged to take a stronger stance against the illegal arms trade fueling the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Amnesty International, represented by Dr. Japheth Biegon, Africa Regional Advocacy Coordinator, presented compelling evidence during a joint meeting of the Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution, Committee on Justice and Human Rights and Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline, highlighting how foreign-manufactured weapons continue to flow into Sudan, exacerbating violence and human rights abuses.
Amnesty International’s latest report, New Weapons Fuelling the Sudan Conflict, documents how weapons supplied to the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces are being used in violation of International Humanitarian Law. The presence of these weapons in Darfur is a direct breach of the United Nations Security Council arms embargo, in place since 2004. The report calls for urgent action to halt these transfers and hold violators accountable.
Illegal Arms Transfers and Their Impact The investigation identified multiple channels through which weapons reach Sudan, including direct arms transfers from countries such as Turkey, Russia, China, India, Serbia, Yemen, France, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, civilian firearms imported legally have been repurposed for combat, and covert shipments bypassing legal oversight have further fueled the crisis.
The conflict has led to the world’s largest displacement crisis, with nearly nine million people forced from their homes. Amnesty International’s research, based on trade shipment records, digital verification techniques, and expert interviews, underscores the devastating humanitarian impact of continued arms proliferation.
The Role of the African Union and the Pan-African Parliament Dr. Biegon emphasized the urgent need for African leadership in addressing the Sudan crisis. He pointed out that, unlike in 2005 when the African Union deployed a peacekeeping mission and formed a high-level panel led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, the current response has been fragmented. Various international initiatives, such as the JEDA and Geneva processes, have stepped in due to the absence of unified African leadership.
Call to Action Amnesty International issued several key recommendations:
- End arms transfers to Sudan: Governments and arms manufacturers must immediately halt all direct and indirect weapons supplies to Sudanese armed groups.
- Expand the UN arms embargo: Currently limited to Darfur, the embargo should be extended to the entire country to prevent weapons from entering through other regions.
- Hold violators accountable: Nations and private entities bypassing arms control laws must face sanctions.
- Strengthen African diplomatic efforts: The African Union and its member states must exert pressure on international actors fueling the conflict.
Enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms: Improved oversight on arms transfers is crucial to stopping further violations.
PAP legislators acknowledged the gravity of the situation, with Hon. Sherif El Gabby, Chairperson of the PAP Committee on Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution, pledging to collaborate with stakeholders like the United Nations to implement Amnesty International’s recommendations. However, concerns were raised about the reliability of digital evidence, prompting Dr. Biegon to assure lawmakers that Amnesty International employs rigorous digital verification methods.
To bolster African-led solutions, Dr. Biegon proposed that PAP push for a parliamentary summit on Sudan, engaging the new leadership of the African Union Commission to ensure a more coordinated and decisive response.
With thousands of lives at stake, PAP’s role in advocating for decisive action is critical. Ending illicit arms transfers is not just a political necessity but a moral duty to millions affected by this devastating conflict.
