A United Nations fact-finding mission reported reasonable grounds to believe that transnational networks supplied weapons, logistics, training and foreign personnel to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces. The networks involve companies and individuals linked to the United Arab Emirates, Colombia and Chad. The conflict, which began in 2023, has killed at least 59,000 people and displaced 13 million according to UN figures.
What does the UN mission conclude about external support to the RSF?
The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan found reasonable grounds to believe that a transnational network supplied the Rapid Support Forces with weapons, logistics, training and foreign personnel. Colombian contractors were specifically mentioned in connection with advanced weapons and drone systems. The mission stated that individuals and entities operating from, registered in, or linked to the United Arab Emirates played a significant role in recruitment, financing, transportation and deployment of foreign military contractors.
Which countries are named in the report?
The report identifies companies based in the United Arab Emirates, Colombia and Chad among others. The UAE has consistently denied providing military backing to the RSF. Investigators noted cooperation from Chad, Colombia and the United Arab Emirates, while Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan and Somalia provided no substantive response. Panama requested additional time to reply.
What findings relate to the Sudanese army?
Foreign-supplied drones expanded the Sudanese army’s drone capabilities, though the mission described findings on external support to the army as preliminary. Both sides were documented using drones in attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure that may amount to war crimes.
How has the conflict affected civilians?
The war has killed at least 59,000 people and displaced around 13 million. Foreign-trained fighters were linked to massacres in Zamzam camp and El Fasher in 2025. Survivors reported RSF fighters targeting civilians in homes and streets, with satellite imagery suggesting bodies were disposed of in mass graves or burned.
What recommendations does the mission make?
Investigators called on the UN Security Council to extend its arms embargo on Sudan. They stated that weapons, financing, personnel and technology sustaining the war must be constrained. The United States has urged new sanctions to bring parties to negotiations.
Frequently asked questions
Who is fighting in Sudan?
The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have fought since April 2023.
Has the UAE responded to the allegations?
The UAE regularly denies providing military support to the RSF.
Did the warring parties cooperate with investigators?
Neither the Sudanese military nor the RSF cooperated with the investigation.
What is the current humanitarian situation?
Parts of Sudan face famine conditions amid widespread displacement and civilian casualties.
Are there existing sanctions?
The UN Security Council maintains an arms embargo that the mission recommends extending.
Key takeaways
UN investigators found reasonable grounds that external networks supplied the RSF with weapons and personnel.
Links were identified to entities in the UAE, Colombia and Chad.
Drone attacks on civilians by both sides may constitute war crimes.
At least 59,000 people have been killed and 13 million displaced since 2023.
The mission recommends extending the UN arms embargo on Sudan.
