France faces potential compliance hurdles with international arms regulations as its military technology finds use in Sudan’s conflict zones, notably in Darfur. This predicament arises from French-manufactured systems being integrated into armored personnel carriers (APCs) that are actively deployed in Darfur, risking a breach of the UN arms embargo on Sudan, as highlighted by Amnesty International. This new investigation has pinpointed the use of these technologies by paramilitary forces in the region.
The military vehicles in question, Nimr Ajban APCs, are produced in the United Arab Emirates but are outfitted with the Galix weapons system, crafted by French firms Lacroix Defense and KNDS France (previously Nexter). The use of French-made technology not only poses a challenge to the UN embargo but also aligns poorly with the European Union’s own arms restrictions on Sudan, which have persisted since 1994. These regulations proscribe the export of military hardware including weapons and vehicles to Sudan.
Detailed photographic evidence shared by Amnesty depicts destroyed or seized APCs bearing the Galix system, underpinning the current allegations. Despite attempts to reach out to Lacroix Defense, KNDS France, and French defense officials, no responses have been forthcoming as of mid-October 2024.
Amnesty International has pressed France to comply with international obligations that restrict arms exports if they are likely to be used in violations of human rights or humanitarian laws. The organization insists on rigorous export controls that could prevent such technology from being redirected to Sudan, without necessary authorizations.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, particularly involving paramilitary groups like the Rapid Support Forces, has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian crises, with over 23,000 lives lost and millions displaced. Amnesty has called upon the UN Security Council to broaden the arms embargo beyond Darfur and improve its enforcement mechanisms. Moreover, enterprises such as Lacroix Defense and KNDS France are urged to undertake thorough human rights due diligence, spanning their supply chains to mitigate involvement in potential abuses.
For further insight into the developments and implications of this issue, more information is detailed in JURIST’s report on the matter.