The organisation said its findings suggest possible UAE military support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of committing serious abuses in Sudan.

Ahmed Benchemsi, Advocacy and Communications Director for HRW’s Middle East and North Africa division, said the investigation gathered multiple forms of evidence. Benchemsi said researchers conducted interviews with two Colombian contractors, eight residents of Al Fashir and additional sources, including former military officials.

The organisation also reviewed corporate and official documents and verified images and videos through geolocation. Benchemsi said this confirmed the presence of contractors in Sudan, including in Al Fashir in North Darfur, an area where violations have been reported.

Benchemsi said evidence indicates the contractors passed through UAE military bases before deployment. He also referred to reports indicating that weapons used by the contractors may have originated from UAE military stock.

Benchemsi said the findings, when considered together, suggest possible external involvement supporting the RSF. The RSF has been linked to alleged war crimes and other abuses in the ongoing conflict.

Benchemsi said the conflict has resulted in large-scale displacement and casualties, with a significant impact in areas such as Al Fashir, where violence has been documented.

HRW has called for further investigations into entities and individuals potentially providing support to the RSF. The organisation said these investigations could lead to sanctions where evidence supports such action.

Benchemsi said recommendations include calls for the UAE to stop any military support to the RSF, and for governments to apply pressure for compliance. Human Rights Watch has also called on states to suspend military cooperation and arms transfers linked to ongoing abuses.

The organisation has also urged the United Nations Security Council to investigate the role of the company linked to the recruitment of contractors.

–ChannelAfrica–