UN Secretary-General Urges End to UAE Arms Flow Fueling Sudan Civil War with RSF Amid Mass Atrocities

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the ongoing flow of weapons and fighters into Sudan, which is fueling a civil war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as it approaches its third year. Guterres emphasized the need to end external support and arms supplies but did not specify any countries involved. However, multiple sources and analysts have pointed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a primary government arming the RSF. The RSF recently declared a parallel government, a move described by Guterres as unlikely to end the conflict. Critics highlight that the UAE facilitates RSF supply lines, gold trafficking, banking, and leaders' travel, and urge international actors to apply pressure on the UAE to halt its support. The RSF has been accused of mass atrocities, including mass murder and rape, with calls for reconsideration of arms sales to the UAE given its role in enabling the militia's actions.