The French military equipment produced by the KNDS-France and Lacroix groups which equips the Emirati armored vehicles is used in Sudan, in «violation» of an arms embargo by the European Union (EU), Amnesty International denounced on Thursday 14 November.
“Our research shows that weapons systems designed and manufactured in France are being used on the battlefield in Sudan”says the general secretary of the NGO Agnès Callamard, quoted in a press release.
According to Amnesty, the Nimr Ajban aircraft carriers manufactured in the United Arab Emirates by the national group Edge are used by the paramilitaries of General Mohamed Hamdane Daglo’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) “in Sudan, and probably in Darfur”.
These armored vehicles are equipped with the Galix self-protection system, designed by KNDS-France and Lacroix, according to images of the destroyed vehicles released by Amnesty.
Equipped with sensors, the system allows you to detect a threat and is equipped with several smoke tubes or ammunition (deencirclement or “staff neutralization” located near the vehicle), Lacroix specifies on its website. More than 5,000 military vehicles around the world are equipped with it, including those of the French army.
A war that caused tens of thousands of deaths
At the request of Agence France-Presse, the General Secretariat of Defense and National Security (SGDSN), responsible for controlling exports of war material, did not read the report and did not comment, just like KNDS-France and Lacroix.
“The Galix system is used by RSF in this conflict and any use in Darfur would constitute a clear violation of the UN arms embargo. The French government must ensure that Lacroix Défense and KNDS-France immediately stop supplying this system to the UAE.”reports Agnès Callamard.
Sudan is subject to an EU embargo on arms sales, while the UN has imposed one since 2004 only for the Darfur region. The NGO calls for its extension to the entire Sudanese territory.
“If France cannot guarantee through export controls, including end-user certification, that the weapons will not be re-exported to Sudan, it should not authorize these transfers”the organization still believes.
The war in Sudan, which has caused tens of thousands of deaths, has pitted the army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane, against the FSR paramilitaries of his former deputy, General Mohamed Hamdane Daglo, since April 2023. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including indiscriminate bombing of populated areas, deliberate attacks against civilians and blocking humanitarian aid.
Time.news Interview: The Impact of French Military Equipment in Sudan
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our interview segment. Today, we’re discussing a pressing issue that has garnered international attention: the use of French military equipment in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Joining us is Agnès Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International. Agnès, thank you for being with us.
Agnès Callamard (AC): Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to bring light to these issues.
TNE: Recent reports by Amnesty International indicate that French-made military equipment is being used in Sudan, allegedly in violation of the European Union’s arms embargo. Can you walk us through the key findings of your research?
AC: Absolutely. Our findings show that armored vehicles produced by the French companies KNDS-France and Lacroix are being deployed in Sudan. Specifically, these vehicles are armed with the Galix self-protection system, which allows them to detect threats and deploy countermeasures. It’s deeply concerning that this equipment, designed for defense, is being utilized by paramilitary forces in a conflict that has already resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.
TNE: That’s alarming. The armored vehicles are reportedly linked to General Mohamed Hamdane Daglo’s Rapid Support Forces. What are the implications of this equipment being used in such a violent context?
AC: The involvement of these forces, armed with systems designed and produced in France, poses significant ethical and legal questions. According to international norms, France has an obligation to prevent its military technology from being used in violations of human rights or international law. The continuation of such exports undermines these commitments.
TNE: You mentioned the Galix system specifically. How does it function, and why is its use in this conflict particularly concerning?
AC: The Galix system is equipped with sensors for threat detection and a variety of countermeasures, such as smoke rounds and neutralization ammunition. It’s alarming because its deployment by the RSF in Sudan—especially in regions like Darfur—constitutes a clear violation of the arms embargo set by the United Nations. The French government must intervene and halt the supply chain to ensure accountability.
TNE: What steps do you believe the French government should take in light of these findings?
AC: The French government must immediately cease the supply of military systems to the UAE, especially those utilized by groups like the RSF. Beyond that, I urge the French authorities to advocate for a broader arms embargo on all of Sudan, not just the Darfur region. This is crucial to stop further bloodshed and uphold international law.
TNE: Given the complexities of international arms trade and conflicts, what role do organizations like Amnesty International play in enforcing accountability?
AC: Our role is to shed light on these injustices and advocate for human rights globally. We conduct thorough investigations, compile evidential reports, and push for policy changes at national and international levels. By bringing attention to the misuse of military equipment, we aim to compel governments and companies to adhere to ethical standards and reinforce their legal obligations.
TNE: This is a deeply intricate situation. As a final thought, what message would you like to convey to our audience regarding the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the associated arms trade?
AC: I urge everyone to stay informed and advocate for peace and justice. The war in Sudan is not just a regional issue; it’s a global concern that requires our collective action. Our voices can prompt change, and I encourage individuals to support organizations working on the ground. Together, we can amplify the cries for help from those affected by this devastating conflict.
TNE: Thank you, Agnès, for sharing your insights and for the important work that Amnesty International does. We hope to see positive changes regarding this situation in Sudan.
AC: Thank you for this opportunity to discuss these vital issues. Awareness is the first step towards action.