A United Nations-backed investigation has raised fresh concerns over foreign involvement in Sudan’s devastating conflict, saying international networks have been providing weapons, military training, logistics and personnel to forces involved in the war.
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has continued since 2023, killing at least 59,000 people and forcing an estimated 13 million others from their homes. Large parts of the country are also facing severe hunger and famine conditions.
According to a report released Thursday by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan, a UN Human Rights Council-mandated body, investigators found reasonable grounds to believe that a transnational network had supplied the RSF with military equipment, training and foreign personnel.
The report specifically identified networks connected to the United Arab Emirates, Colombia and Chad, among other countries.
UAE-Linked Networks Under Scrutiny
Investigators said individuals and companies operating from, registered in or linked to the UAE played a significant role in networks involved in recruiting, financing, transporting and deploying foreign military contractors.
The report also linked those networks to military-related assistance benefiting the RSF.
The UAE has repeatedly denied accusations that it provides military backing to the RSF.
The investigation further found evidence that foreign-supplied drones had strengthened the Sudanese army’s drone capabilities. However, investigators stressed that their findings regarding outside assistance to the Sudanese military remain preliminary.
UN Calls for Tighter Arms Restrictions
The investigators urged the UN Security Council to extend its arms embargo on Sudan, arguing that the international flow of weapons, money, technology and personnel is helping sustain the conflict.
The report also documented drone attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure by both sides, saying some of the attacks could constitute war crimes.
Foreign-trained fighters were also linked by investigators to two massacres in 2025 involving Zamzam camp and El Fasher.
The situation in El Fasher has been particularly devastating. More than 100,000 people reportedly fled the city, with survivors describing alleged killings of civilians inside homes and on streets.
Satellite imagery has also reportedly shown what investigators believe could be attempts to dispose of bodies through mass graves or burning.
Several Countries Respond
Chad, Colombia and the UAE cooperated with the UN investigation, while investigators said Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan and Somalia did not provide substantive responses.
Panama reportedly requested additional time to respond.
Neither Sudan’s military nor the RSF has cooperated with the investigation, according to the UN.
An Associated Press investigation published in July also reported that Colombian mercenaries had trained children to fight for the RSF. Rights organisations have alleged that the contractors were recruited through a UAE-linked company.
The company has denied supplying weapons or military support to either side in Sudan’s war.
US Pushes for New Sanctions
The United States has separately called for stronger international action against those supporting the warring parties.
A draft US resolution circulated in August criticised the continued flow of external military assistance, weapons and ammunition into Sudan, arguing that such support is prolonging the conflict and weakening diplomatic efforts.
The proposed resolution calls on all countries to end direct or indirect logistical, financial or military assistance that enables the fighting to continue.
As Sudan’s humanitarian crisis deepens, the latest UN findings are likely to increase pressure on foreign governments and companies accused of helping sustain the conflict to end their involvement and support efforts aimed at securing a negotiated settlement.
