Pan-African Parliament Urged to Combat Illicit Arms Fueling Sudan Conflict

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has been called upon to take decisive action against the illegal arms trade exacerbating the ongoing conflict in Sudan. During a joint session of its committees on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution; Justice and Human Rights; and Rules, Privileges and Discipline, Dr. Japheth Biegon, Amnesty International's Africa Regional Advocacy Coordinator, presented compelling evidence of foreign-manufactured weapons infiltrating Sudan, intensifying violence and human rights violations.

Amnesty International's Findings

Amnesty International's report, "New Weapons Fuelling the Sudan Conflict," reveals that both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have received arms in violation of international humanitarian law. The presence of these weapons in Darfur contravenes the United Nations Security Council arms embargo established in 2004. The report emphasizes the urgent need to halt these transfers and hold violators accountable.

Channels of Illegal Arms Transfers

Investigations have identified multiple avenues through which weapons enter Sudan:

• Direct Transfers: Countries including China, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen have been implicated in supplying arms to Sudan.

·       Diversion of Civilian Firearms: Legally imported civilian firearms have been repurposed for combat purposes.

·       Covert Shipments: Unauthorized arms shipments bypassing legal oversight have further fueled the crisis.

These illicit arms flows have contributed to the world's largest displacement crisis, with nearly nine million people forced from their homes.

Role of the African Union and Pan-African Parliament

Dr. Biegon highlighted the necessity for African leadership in addressing the Sudanese crisis. He noted that, unlike in 2005 when the African Union (AU) deployed a peacekeeping mission and established a high-level panel led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, the current response has been fragmented. International initiatives have filled the void due to the absence of unified African leadership.

Call to Action

Amnesty International has issued several key recommendations:

1.     Cease Arms Transfers to Sudan: Governments and arms manufacturers must immediately halt all direct and indirect weapons supplies to Sudanese armed groups.

2.     Expand the UN Arms Embargo: Currently limited to Darfur, the embargo should be extended to encompass the entire country to prevent weapons from entering through other regions.

3.     Accountability for Violators: Nations and private entities circumventing arms control laws must face sanctions.

4.     Strengthen African Diplomatic Efforts: The AU and its member states must exert pressure on international actors contributing to the conflict.

5.     Enhance Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms: Improved oversight of arms transfers is crucial to preventing further violations.

PAP legislators acknowledged the severity of the situation. Hon. Sherif El Gabby, Chairperson of the PAP Committee on Cooperation, International Relations, and Conflict Resolution, pledged to collaborate with stakeholders, including the United Nations, to implement Amnesty International's recommendations. However, concerns were raised regarding the reliability of digital evidence, to which Dr. Biegon responded by affirming Amnesty International's rigorous verification methods.

To promote African-led solutions, Dr. Biegon proposed that PAP advocate for a parliamentary summit on Sudan, engaging the new leadership of the African Union Commission to ensure a more coordinated and decisive response.

With countless lives at risk, PAP's role in advocating for decisive action is critical. Ending illicit arms transfers is not only a political necessity but a moral obligation to the millions affected by this devastating conflict.