A report by The Washington Post claims that Baykar, a major Turkish defense company, supplied $120 million in weapons to Sudan. The report states that between August and November last year, Baykar sent arms and ammunition to the Sudanese army.
This alleged deal raises concerns about Turkey’s role in the Sudan conflict. It may also violate EU and US-led sanctions imposed on Darfur.
Details of the Alleged Arms Deal
According to The Washington Post, the first shipment was part of a contract between Baykar and Sudan’s military procurement agency, DIS. The first batch of weapons arrived in August. Messages obtained by the Post confirm that the final delivery took place on September 15. This happened despite US sanctions introduced five months earlier.
Baykar allegedly supplied six TB2 drones, three ground control stations, and 600 warheads. The company also sent 48 employees to deliver the equipment and provide technical support. During a meeting on September 9, Sudanese officials reportedly told Baykar representatives that “Turkey had become their strongest supporter.”
Foreign Involvement in Sudan’s War
Sudan’s civil war has drawn in many foreign powers. The war, now in its 22nd month, has worsened the humanitarian crisis. Many nations have been accused of fueling the conflict by supplying weapons.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia are also accused of involvement. They allegedly back opposing sides in the war.
In November, Amnesty International reported that UAE-made armored vehicles were being used by Sudanese paramilitary forces. These vehicles contain French military technology.
On Thursday, the International Court of Justice confirmed that Sudan filed a complaint against the UAE. Sudan accuses the UAE of violating the Genocide Convention. UAE officials deny supporting Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), despite growing evidence of arms transfers.
Russia has also increased its role in Sudan. Last month, Moscow reached a deal to establish a naval base in Port Sudan. This gives Russia another strategic foothold in the Red Sea region.
Sudan’s War and Humanitarian Crisis
The war in Sudan started in April 2023. It began as a power struggle between army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and paramilitary RSF chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Since then, the fighting has devastated Khartoum and led to ethnic violence across the country.
The conflict has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. According to the United Nations, 14 million people have been displaced. Many are now facing famine. The war has also led to thousands of deaths. Some estimates put the death toll between 20,000 and 150,000.
Despite extending the Darfur arms embargo in October, the UN Security Council has not acted against foreign nations violating the restrictions. This has raised concerns about the enforcement of international sanctions.
International Response and Future Concerns
The alleged arms deal between Baykar and Sudan has put Turkey under scrutiny. If proven true, the deal could damage Turkey’s relations with Western allies. The EU and the US may impose further sanctions on Turkish defense firms.
The situation in Sudan remains dire. Without intervention, the war could continue to escalate. The humanitarian crisis is worsening, and millions remain at risk.
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