A United Nations panel tasked with monitoring sanctions in Sudan is investigating how mortar rounds originally sent from Bulgaria to the United Arab Emirates ended up in the hands of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), raising fresh questions about the flow of arms into the conflict-stricken Darfur region.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the panel traced seized 81mm mortar rounds—captured by pro-government militias in North Darfur in November—back to a 2019 Bulgarian shipment intended for the UAE. Images and video of the seized weapons, shared online by Sudanese fighters, clearly show serial numbers that match those declared in Bulgaria’s export records.
Bulgarian authorities confirmed the export to the UAE but denied any involvement in transferring the munitions to Sudan, stating they had not issued any license for re-export. “The Bulgarian competent authority has not approved any defense-related exports to Sudan,” the country’s foreign ministry said.
The UAE has pushed back against suggestions of involvement, insisting there is no conclusive evidence linking it to arms deliveries to the RSF. Emirati officials pointed to the latest UN expert report on Sudan, which includes no direct allegations against the UAE. However, letters reviewed by investigators suggest that scrutiny of Emirati logistics and air traffic remains ongoing.
Documents show the UN panel requested flight manifests from Emirati authorities for 15 cargo flights landing in Chad—near Sudan’s conflict zones—but the UAE declined to provide full documentation. Instead, it submitted partial cargo details for three flights, listing humanitarian supplies like food, medicine, and civilian vehicles. Analysts note, however, that these shipments only filled about half of the aircrafts’ carrying capacity, leaving questions about what else may have been on board.
The RSF, a powerful paramilitary group now locked in a brutal conflict with Sudan’s military, has gained control over large swathes of Darfur. The origin of its weaponry remains a key focus for international investigators.
The inquiry comes amid mounting legal and diplomatic pressure. In April, Sudan filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing the UAE of violating the Genocide Convention by allegedly arming the RSF. The UAE has rejected the accusation and challenged the court’s authority to hear the case.
As the conflict in Sudan continues to displace millions and claim thousands of lives, the international community remains focused on the sources of arms that are fueling the violence.