UN Secretary-General: Countries Fueling the Sudanese War with Weapons Must Be Held Accountable

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for accountability for countries fueling the war in Sudan by supplying weapons, as the Sudanese government continues to raise the issue of foreign military support for the Rapid Support Forces militia before international institutions.

Guterres stated, ahead of the UN General Assembly meetings in New York, that the war in Sudan is receiving support from foreign countries, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those countries that supply weapons when they are used extensively to attack civilians.

The Secretary-General noted that reports by Security Council experts addressed the issue of foreign intervention in the war, describing the humanitarian situation in Sudan as “devastating,” and stressing that the level of suffering endured by the Sudanese people is unacceptable.

Guterres’ statement gains added significance as the General Assembly meetings approach, as it shifts the discussion from demanding a halt to foreign support to explicitly addressing the accountability of countries contributing to the flow of weapons and prolonging the war.

The statement comes as the Sudanese government submits complaints and documents to the UN Security Council proving that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia receives foreign military support. Subsequent UN and international investigations have uncovered foreign networks involved in providing weapons, logistical support, and foreign fighters to the militia.