Shafaqna English- Arms trafficking is escalating in Sudan amid humanitarian issues.
The Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime has released a new report showing that there is growing weapon trade fueling the war between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Released on October 20, the report details illicit smugglers and criminal brokers reviving old trafficking routes through Darfur, Eastern Chad, and southern Libya. Sudan’s situation continues to deteriorate faster, according to the United Nations.
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)has confirmed that 25 million people, or half of Sudan’s population, are facing acute hunger or famine. In September, the UN recorded the worst scenarios for the past three years since the conflict began in April 2023.
The most heavily affected areas are Darfur and Kordofan, where infrastructure has been destroyed and left dilapidated with no essential services such as healthcare, food, and water.
“Civilians are subjected to viciousness including sexual violence, forced recruitment and arbitrary detention,” said the UN report. “The UN compound in El-Fasher was attacked on September 20, losing vehicles, supplies and equipment.”
Sources: Vatican News