World News
UK Military Equipment Suspected to Have Reached Accused Militia
According to documents submitted to the United Nations Security Council, military equipment from the UK was found in Sudan being used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of genocide and war crimes. The equipment included UK-made small arms training target systems and engines for armored personnel carriers, reportedly routed through the UAE before entering RSF-controlled areas.
Between 2015 and 2024, the UK issued multiple export licenses for military training equipment to the UAE, some under “open licenses” with no end-use tracking. Evidence shows UK-made engines were installed in UAE-manufactured Nimr armored personnel carriers. Even after warnings that the UAE might supply weapons to sanctioned or conflict zones, the UK continued issuing export licenses.
The UK government responded that its arms export control system is among the strictest globally, with every license assessing “end-use/end-user” risks. Nevertheless, the appearance of UK equipment in Sudan raises concerns about practical implementation gaps in the system.