Katherine ByfieldA new investigation by Amnesty International reveals that French-made military technology is being used in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, raising concerns about potential violations of an international arms embargo. The focus of the investigation is the Galix System, a defense mechanism developed by Lacroix Defense and KNDS France, which has been found on armored personnel carriers (APCs) operated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.
These APCs, known as Nimr Ajban, are produced in the UAE by Edge Group and are equipped with the contentious Galix System. This cutting-edge technology is designed to thwart close-range threats using decoys, smoke, and projectiles. Its deployment in Sudan likely breaches the existing UN arms embargo on Darfur.
Amnesty International identified these APCs from images and videos shared on social media and verified the presence of the Galix System. They assert that weaponry developed in France is actively used on Sudan’s battlefields, thereby exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing fighting in Sudan, which intensified in April 2023, has resulted in over 23,000 deaths and significant civilian casualties due to widespread violence. Amnesty International emphasizes that transferring arms to conflict zones like Sudan perpetuates human suffering and calls for immediate cessation of such transactions.
The organization urges all nations to honor the UN Security Council’s arms embargo on Darfur and recommends France to halt supplying military technology to regions where it could facilitate human rights violations. Amid these revelations, Amnesty International continues to rally for stronger international actions to prevent further civilian harm in Sudan.
How French Military Technology is Fueling Sudan’s Crisis
Amnesty International’s recent investigation has unveiled that French-manufactured military technology is actively being employed in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, spotlighting the potential breaches of an international arms embargo. The investigation zeroes in on the Galix System, an advanced defensive mechanism designed by Lacroix Defense and KNDS France, which has been identified on Nimr Ajban armored personnel carriers (APCs) used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.
The Nimr Ajban vehicles, which are produced in the United Arab Emirates by the Edge Group, are outfitted with the Galix System — a state-of-the-art technology aimed at neutralizing close-range threats using decoys, smoke screens, and projectiles. Its presence in Sudan suggests potential violations of the standing UN arms embargo on the Darfur region.
Amnesty International confirmed the use of this technology through images and videos shared across social media, verifying that these APCs are indeed operational on the battlegrounds of Sudan. This revelation underscores how French-developed weaponry is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Features of the Galix System
The Galix System is renowned for its innovative capabilities in defense strategies. It is primarily used to:
– Deploy smoke screens to obscure vehicle movements.
– Engage in threat deterrence using decoys.
– Counter projectile threats with precision.
Controversies and International Response
The use of such technology in Sudan has sparked controversies, particularly concerning adherence to international arms regulations. Amnesty International has been vocal about the possible infringement of the UN arms embargo, emphasizing the imperative to halt arms proliferation to conflict-laden regions to prevent further humanitarian degradation.
Market Implications and Legal Ramifications
The revelation brings about significant implications for the defense market and international arms trade regulations. It signals the critical need for stringent oversight in armament exports, especially those potentially destined for conflict zones. Compliance with international laws, such as the UN Security Council’s arms embargo, is crucial to averting similar controversies and preventing the perpetuation of human rights violations.
Amnesty International’s Call to Action
Amnesty International continues to spearhead efforts urging nations to respect the UN embargo on Darfur and calls on France to cease supplying military technology to regions where it may contribute to human rights infractions. The organization advocates for robust international measures to safeguard civilians and mitigate ongoing human suffering in Sudan.
For more insights on international arms control and defense policies, visit Amnesty International.
