26/02/2025
Amnesty International Addresses the Pan African Parliament on Arms Transfers and Human Rights Violations in
A compelling presentation before the Pan African Parliament made by Amnesty International Africa highlighted the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan. The organization represented by Dr. Japheth Biegon provided detailed evidence-based insights into the ongoing arms transfers fueling the conflict and called on African leaders to take decisive action to curb the influx of weapons that continue to contribute to widespread human rights abuses.
Amnesty International’s reported that Sudan is currently experiencing the world’s largest displacement crisis, with nearly nine million individuals forced to flee their homes. The situation has led to a severe humanitarian emergency, with men, women, and children bearing the brunt of escalating violence. As the conflict intensifies, the international community’s role in preventing further atrocities has come under scrutiny.
Illegal Arms Transfers and Their Impact
One of the key findings presented was the continued transfer of weapons into Sudan, despite a United Nations Security Council arms embargo imposed on the Darfur region since 2004. The presence of recently manufactured arms in Darfur and other parts of Sudan suggests that international actors are violating both the arms embargo and broader international humanitarian law.
Amnesty International’s investigation uncovered three major methods of arms proliferation in Sudan:
Direct arms transfers – Countries such as Turkey, Russia, China, India, Serbia, Yemen, France and the United Arab Emirates were identified as key suppliers of weapons to armed groups in Sudan.
Diversion of civilian weapons – Fi****ms legally imported for civilian use, such as hunting rifles, have been repurposed for combat.
Covert arms shipments – Some states and private entities are using clandestine means to funnel arms into Sudan, bypassing legal oversight and regulations.
To support its claims, Amnesty International employed a rigorous research methodology, analyzing 1,900 trade shipment records from 2013 to 2023. The organization also reviewed over 2,000 video and photographic materials sourced from social media platforms such as Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook. Digital verification techniques allowed them to confirm the locations and dates of these recordings, linking them to arms shipment data.
Furthermore, Amnesty International conducted interviews with 17 regional arms trade experts and Sudanese conflict specialists, corroborating findings with first-hand accounts of weapons supply chains.
In light of these alarming revelations, Amnesty International urged members of the Pan-African Parliament to take immediate action. The organization made the following recommendations:
Demand an end to arms transfers to Sudan – All governments and arms manufacturers must halt direct and indirect supply, sale, or transfer of military equipment to Sudanese armed groups.
Expand the UN arms embargo – The current embargo only applies to Darfur, allowing weapons to enter other parts of Sudan before being diverted. Amnesty International called for an extension to cover the entire country.
Hold violators accountable – Countries and private entities circumventing international arms control laws must be identified and sanctioned.
Strengthen African diplomatic efforts – The African Union and its member states must exert pressure on international actors supporting the conflict.
Enhance monitoring and enforcement mechanisms – Improved oversight and reporting on arms transfers are critical to preventing further violations.
As the conflict in Sudan nears its second year, the Pan-African Parliament faces an urgent responsibility to advocate for stronger measures against arms proliferation. With thousands of lives at stake, the time to act is now. By implementing Amnesty International’s recommendations, African leaders can take meaningful steps toward peace and stability in Sudan and the broader region.
The Pan-African Parliament, in collaboration with human rights organizations, must spearhead efforts And push the African Union to take leadership to bring accountability to those fueling the conflict. Ending the illicit arms trade is not just a political imperative but a moral duty to the millions affected by this devastating crisis.
