Khaberni - The Canadian newspaper "The Globe and Mail" reported that authorities in Canada are investigating the files of two companies owned by Canadians suspected of arming the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces with military equipment that is "expired".
Field reports and images from conflict areas in Sudan show Canadian armored vehicles and rifles in the hands of elements from the Rapid Support Forces, although the companies did not sell them directly to them, a situation that constitutes a breach of Canadian laws prohibiting arms export to Sudan or through a third country without an official permit.
Where the region witnesses conflicts between the army led by the head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, nicknamed "Hemedti", and the Rapid Support Forces are accused of committing atrocities in the Darfur region of western Sudan.
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand confirmed that Canada would review its compliance with local and international laws and that any breach would be dealt with firmly.
Arms embargo on Sudan
The United Nations Security Council extended last September the imposed embargo on the entry of arms into the Darfur region of Sudan for an additional year, amidst ongoing fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.
The decision was unanimous, keeping sanctions imposed since 2005 in effect until September 12, 2026, including arms embargo and individual sanctions such as asset freezes and travel bans, targeting five individuals linked to the conflict in Darfur.
Today's decision by the Security Council comes amid ongoing war in Sudan since April 2023 between the army and the Rapid Support Forces.
According to the Security Council, the conflict in Sudan has led to a "massive humanitarian catastrophe" with tens of thousands killed and more than 12 million people displaced, while millions are pushed to the brink of famine.
