A new report by U.S.-based watchdog The Sentry said Thursday that forces loyal to Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar have been supplying smuggled fuel to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces “on behalf of the United Arab Emirates,” according to the report.
The Sentry noted that Haftar, head of the Libyan National Army in the east, “has been a key supplier of fuel to the RSF” throughout the war due to his deep alignment with the UAE government.
The UAE—Washington’s close regional ally—faces growing accusations of providing weapons and drones to the RSF, allegations Abu Dhabi has repeatedly denied. Sudan’s army has also accused the UAE of supplying weapons and Colombian mercenaries via neighboring countries—allegations likewise dismissed by Abu Dhabi.
The watchdog organization said the continuous flow of diesel and gasoline from Haftar has enabled RSF mobility across Darfur, facilitating its tactical operations there.
The report comes amid renewed U.S. calls for international action to cut off weapons supplies to the RSF. Washington warned of serious consequences if arms shipments continue, as the group carried out a new attack on Thursday in Sudan’s Northern State targeting a major dam in Merowe.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday night: “Something must be done to stop the weapons and support the RSF continues to receive as it advances.” He declined to name the supplying country but said: “We know where the shipments are coming from, and we will be speaking to those responsible. They need to understand the consequences for themselves and for the world if this does not stop.”
