EU Arms Embargo Violation: Bulgarian Weapons Sold to UAE Found in Sudan

Investigation into Mortar Bombs in Sudan

• 🎯 An investigation by FRANCE 24 Observers traced mortar bombs captured in northern Sudan to a Bulgarian manufacturer.
• 🇪🇺 These weapons were purchased by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), violating an EU arms embargo on Sudan.
• ⚔️ The captured munitions were found in a convoy belonging to the Mushtaraka, a force fighting alongside the Sudanese army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Origin and Export of Weapons

• 🇧🇬 The mortar bombs were manufactured by Dunarit, a Bulgarian company specializing in artillery shells and mortar bombs.
• 📜 A certificate of delivery confirmed that tens of thousands of mortar bombs were exported to the UAE government in January and February 2020.
• 🤝 The UAE purchaser was listed as the GHQ Armed Forces, with the Emirati importer identified as the International Golden Group (IGG).

International Golden Group's History

• 🔗 IGG, a semi-private company with strong government ties, has been implicated in previous arms diversions to Libya.
• ⚠️ UN reports have cited IGG in connection with illegal shipments of weapons to Libya, including machine gun rounds, assault rifles, and mortar bombs.
• 🌍 Libya, like Sudan, is subject to international arms embargoes by the EU and UN.

Mercenaries and Weapon Diversion Route

• 🇨🇴 Documents found with the captured convoy belonged to a former Colombian soldier, suggesting mercenaries were involved.
• ✈️ This individual's documented travel route included stops in Colombia, Paris, the UAE, and Libya before crossing into Sudan.
• 🗺️ Sudan analysts suggest this route is well-trafficked, indicating a pattern of movement for both mercenaries and weapons.

Allegations and Denials

• 🇸🇩 The Sudanese government accuses the UAE of backing the RSF militia in the ongoing civil war, filing a complaint with the International Court of Justice in March 2025 alleging conspiracy to commit "genocide" in Darfur.
• 🚫 The UAE denies sending weapons to the rebels.
• 🕵️ The UN panel of experts on Sudan is investigating the seized mortar rounds for potential sanctions violations.
• 📞 Attempts to contact the UAE's Ministry of Defense and the International Golden Group for comment were unsuccessful.