UAE Prevents Arms Shipment to Sudan
On Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that it successfully intercepted a weapons shipment intended for the Sudanese army. This significant announcement arrives shortly before the International Court of Justice is set to rule on a case brought forth by Sudan, accusing the UAE of complicity in genocide through its support of rival paramilitary forces in the ongoing two-year conflict.
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi praised the efforts of the security services in blocking the transfer of a substantial amount of military equipment. This operation followed the apprehension of individuals linked to unauthorized mediation and illicit trafficking of military supplies, as reported by the state news agency WAM.
Details of the Arrests
While specific identities of the arrested individuals were not disclosed, the UAE’s statement highlighted prominent figures, including former Sudanese intelligence chief Salah Gosh and a notable political advisor to army chief General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan. Several Sudanese businessmen were also implicated in the operation.
The arrests occurred during the examination of a private aircraft, which was found to be transporting approximately five million rounds of machine gun ammunition. Additionally, investigators seized financial proceeds linked to the arms deal from two suspects at their hotel accommodations.
A Sophisticated Trafficking Network
Investigations revealed that the trafficking ring was orchestrating a military equipment deal that included Kalashnikov rifles, machine guns, and grenades worth millions of dollars. This operation was said to be facilitated by a company associated with Colonel Othman Al-Zubair, who oversees financial operations for the Sudanese military, utilizing fraudulent invoices disguised as sugar import deals.
Ahmed Rabie Ahmed Al-Sayed, also identified as close to Burhan, was reportedly responsible for issuing necessary approvals and facilitating the transactions that led to this illicit trade. His role underscores the involvement of high-ranking officials in facilitating these transactions.
High-Level Military Approval
The inquiries indicated that the Sudanese Armed Forces’ Armament Committee, headed by General Al-Burhan and his deputy Yasser Al-Atta, had sanctioned these deals, fully aware of the operations taking place. Gosh was noted to have played a pivotal role in managing the illegal military equipment trafficking in the UAE, which was coordinated with other members of the cell.
According to findings, the group reportedly benefited from earnings of $2.6 million from two specific transactions. The share of these profits belonging to Gosh was discovered with a fellow suspect who had previously served as his chief of staff.
International Connections in Arms Trade
Additionally, the investigation has led to the identification of companies owned by a Sudanese-Ukrainian businessman, including one operating in the UAE. These companies allegedly supplied the Sudanese military with weapons, ammunition, and drones, working in conjunction with the members of the trafficking network and the military’s financial officer. Notably, one of these firms is currently under sanctions imposed by the United States.
Attorney General Shamsi characterized the findings as a severe breach of the UAE’s national security and announced that those implicated would face expedited trial proceedings. The tensions between Sudan and the UAE have further escalated, with accusations of the Gulf state harboring support for the paramilitary forces involved in the conflict.
Reactions to the Arms Trade Allegations
Previously, in December, the UAE assured the United States of its commitment to refrain from arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after certain US lawmakers sought to block the nation’s acquisition of $1.2 billion worth of advanced weaponry. However, claims emerged in January suggesting that the UAE had not upheld its commitments and continued to support Sudanese rebel forces.
As both the RSF and the Sudanese army face accusations of committing war crimes in the midst of Sudan’s devastating conflict, the situation remains dire. This protracted struggle has claimed tens of thousands of lives and forced over 13 million people to flee their homes.
