Key facts
- A joint investigation by Lighthouse Reports, Sudan War Monitor, and Evident uncovered military camps in Libya training RSF fighters.
- RSF defectors allege that weapons and logistical support, including fuel and vehicles, are supplied by the UAE and channeled through Libya.
- Five training camps were identified in Libya, with some located near key LAAF bases.
- The UAE and LAAF deny providing any military or financial support to warring parties in Sudan.
- Egyptian military sources claim the UAE rerouted flights to eastern Chad after Egyptian bombing campaigns targeted RSF convoys from Libya.
- An Emirati operations room is reportedly operating at Amdjarass airport in Chad to coordinate with the RSF.
A joint investigation has uncovered evidence suggesting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to support Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) through military camps and logistical aid in Libya, despite official denials.
According to Sudanese, Egyptian, and Libyan sources, RSF fighters are being trained in Libya and equipped with weapons supplied by the UAE. Defectors from the RSF claim that these supplies are directly provided by the UAE and transported through Libya to Sudan. Five military camps have been identified across Libya, reportedly used for training and providing logistical support, including fuel and vehicles.
Despite pressure and Egyptian bombing campaigns targeting RSF convoys originating from Libya, the UAE and Khalifa Haftar's Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) are allegedly still backing the Sudanese paramilitary group. The UAE and LAAF have both denied any involvement or support for the warring parties in Sudan.
An RSF defector, identified as Ahmed, stated that the UAE's support is crucial for the RSF's ability to fight. He described witnessing weapons and military vehicles being brought in by plane, with one armored car bearing 'Made in Emirates' markings. Training at these camps reportedly includes instruction on heavy weaponry.
Egyptian military sources claim that following Egyptian and Turkish strikes on RSF convoys from Libya, the UAE rerouted its flights to eastern Chad, utilizing Amdjarass airport. Flight tracking data reportedly supports this, showing an increase in flights from the UAE and Libya to Amdjarass, where an Emirati operations room is allegedly coordinating with the RSF.
Jalel Harchaoui, an analyst, noted that while some developments suggested a tapering of Emirati policy, recent data indicates a significant re-escalation of UAE support for the RSF via eastern Libya.