UN Report Exposes Sudan's SAF Use of Foreign Drones in Civilian Attacks

A UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission revealed in a report published on Thursday that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) used foreign-supplied drones in operations that harmed civilians.

While repeating accusations that external players have supported the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces by facilitating weapons transfers, the report cast a harsher light on the actions of the SAF, which has rejected ceasefire attempts and vowed to continue the war until it achieves victory.

The SAF has long accused the RSF of receiving external support; however, the new findings provide proof that Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan's forces have themselves relied heavily on foreign support to launch deadly attacks on civilian areas.

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, established by the UN Human Rights Council, stated that available evidence indicates that since late 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces has significantly expanded its drone capabilities through foreign-supplied systems.

The findings documented attacks attributed to the SAF on locations where civilian presence was substantial or readily foreseeable, citing at least four waves of drone strikes on hospitals, markets, and other civilian locations in different areas.

Investigators found reasonable grounds to believe that the Sudanese Armed Forces used foreign-supplied drones and loitering munitions in attacks that struck civilian objects, including Yabus Market in Blue Nile, which may amount to a serious violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime.

The report's release followed an investigative report by the US-based Century Foundation think tank stating that Houthi rebels' ties with the SAF have led to arms-smuggling networks expanding the Yemeni rebels' influence in the Horn of Africa.

It also follows concerns expressed by the US regarding a reported SAF strike inside Chad, warning that the war in Sudan could spread across borders and further destabilise the region.

The war between the SAF and the RSF erupted over the country's future after the overthrow of a civilian government, killing tens of thousands of people, displacing millions, and creating one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with an estimated 20 million people suffering from hunger.

Repeated attempts by the US and regional powers to broker a ceasefire in Sudan have failed, with Gen Al Burhan insisting on fighting until the RSF surrenders or is vanquished.

In July, the US imposed new sanctions on the SAF-aligned government over its use of chemical weapons in the war. Meanwhile, the UAE has called for a return to civilian rule in Sudan and maintained that neither warring party should have a future role.

The UAE Permanent Mission to the UN and Other International Organisations in Geneva stated it engaged with the fact-finding mission transparently, reiterating that it is not involved in the civil war, has provided no arms to any party since the conflict began, and remains committed to UN sanctions and humanitarian assistance.