The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan on Sept. 3 released a new report detailing how external support networks fuel the conflict and escalate civilian harm in the country. The Mission concluded that foreign-sourced weapons, drone systems, components and personnel have significantly expanded the military capabilities of both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), intensifying the conflict's scale and lethality.

According to the report, the RSF and SAF have acquired sophisticated capabilities, including long-distance drones, through "externally sourced systems, components, personnel and munitions." The Mission stressed that international law applies not only to the parties directly engaged in hostilities but also to external actors that supply weapons, provide operational support, or facilitate mercenary activity.

The Mission notes that drone use has extended the geographical scope of the conflict and is damaging essential infrastructure, including electricity, fuel, water and transport systems, as well as health systems and public spaces such as schools and markets, displacement sites such as the Zam-Zam camp in Darfur, and places of worship. The report documents RSF drone attacks on the city of El-Obeid, a hospital and school in Kalogoi, and a displacement site in Kulba, impacting civilians "already affected by siege, isolation and restricted access to essential services."

The Mission determined these strikes violated Customary International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which prohibits attacks directed at civilian objects, requires verification that targets are military objectives, and mandates precautions to minimize civilian harm. Apparent SAF drone strikes on a hospital in Ad-Da'ein and strikes on markets in Abu Zaima and Yabus have caused casualties and disrupted commerce and essential services. The mission found that the hospital strike violated Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol II, which protect the sick and wounded.

Although the UN Security Council has long imposed an arms embargo on Sudan, the Mission believes the RSF sources artillery, air-defense systems, drones, and other military equipment from individuals and entities in the United Arab Emirates, Chad, Libya and Somalia. The report stated that arms suppliers who violate the embargo contribute to crimes under international law.

The Mission also estimated that as many as 2,000 foreign military personnel and contract agents, particularly from Colombia, have been involved in the fighting in Sudan. The UN Convention against Mercenaries and the African Union's Convention for the Elimination of Mercenarism require state parties to prohibit and suppress such activities.

While Chad, Colombia and the United Arab Emirates are cooperating with UN inquiries, the Mission emphasized the need for stronger international action to address the external support that risks further entrenching the conflict.

From JURIST, Sept. 4. Used with permission. Internal links added.