Arms race powers Sudan's civil strife, global players exposed
Bloomberg agency has published a troubling analysis revealing that Russia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates are supplying arms to Sudan, thereby fuelling the ongoing civil war in the country. Russia wants to establish a military base in Sudan on the Red Sea.
Russia and Iran are actively supporting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in their conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Dagalo. According to Bloomberg, both countries supply weapons, drones, and fuel.
The deliveries are conducted through Port Sudan on the Red Sea. Russia utilises its "shadow fleet" for transportation, whilst Iran employs the local airport, where infrastructure has been expanded for import and export purposes. Bloomberg emphasises that Moscow is striving to establish a military base in this region.
The United Arab Emirates also supplies drones to Sudan. Authorities in Abu Dhabi are supporting the opposing side in the conflict - the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - with drones. According to "The Sudan Tribune," the armaments are routed through neighbouring Chad to obscure their origins.
The UAE authorities deny these allegations, although the UN and human rights organisations point to their involvement.
The tragedy of Sudan. Thousands dead
According to a report by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, over 61,000 people have already died in the state of Khartoum.
Meanwhile, the Washington Institute estimates that the number of war victims, both direct and indirect, reaches 130,000. This data is based on research by four American universities.
