The Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), led by Minni Minawi, announced on Thursday that its fighters, as part of the Darfur Joint Force, intercepted a weapons convoy allegedly destined for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The operation occurred in a desert region near the borders of Chad and Libya, highlighting concerns over arms smuggling in the area.
According to a statement, the seized weapons included combat vehicles, ammunition, and anti-tank guided missiles. Videos shared by the SLM also revealed a Colombian military ID and passport with an exit visa from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport dated October, raising suspicions about external involvement.
The SLM accused the RSF of utilizing the desert for transporting military supplies into Darfur, allegedly with backing from external sources. The Sudanese government has previously accused the UAE of facilitating arms shipments to the RSF through Chad, a claim the UAE has not yet addressed.
The RSF, under Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has faced accusations of destabilizing Sudan through external arms dependence and mercenary support. The conflict in Darfur, reignited in 2020, has drawn international concern over its implications for regional security.
