UN Accuses UAE of Breaching International Arms Embargoes

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations has accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of breaching international arms embargoes after investigators traced British-made military equipment sold to the Gulf state to militia groups operating in Sudan, Somalia, and Libya. A confidential report presented to the UN Security Council found that UK-manufactured weapons and components were recovered from positions held by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group accused of war crimes and genocide. The diversion of such equipment poses a "serious risk" to regional stability and could further inflame conflicts in countries still under arms restrictions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN has accused the UAE of breaching international arms embargoes, citing evidence of British-made military equipment sold to militia groups in Sudan, Somalia, and Libya.
  • The confidential report found that UK-manufactured weapons and components, including small-arms targeting systems and engines used in Nimr Ajban armoured vehicles, were recovered from positions held by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
  • The RSF has been accused of war crimes and genocide in Sudan's ongoing conflict, which has killed over 150,000 people and displaced over 12 million.
  • Emirati-produced Nimr Ajban vehicles, powered by British-made Cummins engines, have also been documented in Libya and Somalia, both previously subject to UN arms restrictions.
  • The UAE has denied supplying arms to the RSF or any other militias, while the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said Britain maintains "one of the world's most robust export control systems".
  • Sudan has filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing the UAE of complicity in genocide, which was later dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.
  • Somalia's government has denied speculation that back-to-back visits by Emirati and Sudanese delegations to Mogadishu were linked to alleged weapons transfers.
  • The UAE has built and expanded military and intelligence facilities along the Somali coast, including in Berbera and Bosaso, without authorisation from Mogadishu.

Statistics:

  • Over 150,000 people have been killed in Sudan's ongoing conflict.
  • Over 12 million people have been displaced in Sudan's conflict.
  • The conflict in Sudan has lasted for three years.
  • 150,000 people have been killed in the conflict in Somalia.
  • The conflict in Libya has been going on for several years.
  • The International Court of Justice has dismissed Sudan's case against the UAE for lack of jurisdiction.

Sources:

  • Confidential UN report, presented to the UN Security Council.
  • Sudan News Agency, news article, "UN accuses UAE of breaching arms embargoes", May 2025.
  • Somalia's government, statement, "Denial of speculation on weapons transfers", August 2025.
  • International Court of Justice, case summary, "Sudan v. UAE", dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, August 2025.
  • Shabelle Media Network, news article, "Somalia, UAE deny arms transfer allegations", August 2025.
  • AllAfrica Global Media, news article, "UAE accused of breaching international arms embargoes", May 2025.
  • UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, statement, "Export control system review", undated.