The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been implicated in a UN investigation into the use of Bulgarian-made weapons by Sudanese rebels, sparking concerns about arms diversion and potential violations of international agreements. The investigation was launched after Bulgarian-made mortar rounds were discovered among ammunition used by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan.

The discovery was made in November 2024 during an operation by Sudanese pro-government militias in North Darfur. The serial numbers on the mortar rounds matched those of weapons exported by Bulgaria to the UAE in 2019, according to a confidential letter reviewed by Reuters. Images and videos shared by militias after the seizure also showed the markings on the mortar rounds.

This incident has raised alarms about arms diversion in the region and potential violations of international arms agreements. Sudan's UN ambassador, Al-Harith Idriss al-Harith Mohamed, has accused the UAE of supplying arms to the RSF, which have been battling Sudan's army since April 2023 and stand accused of committing ethnic war crimes.

Bulgaria has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it exported the 81mm mortar rounds to the UAE military in 2019 and did not authorize their re-export to Sudan. In a letter to the UN, Bulgaria's permanent mission confirmed the shipment to the UAE, but the foreign affairs ministry emphasized that no permission was granted for re-export to a third party, asserting that no export license for defense products to Sudan was issued.

The UAE's role in Sudan's conflict and its strategic influence across Africa have come under scrutiny. The country has been accused of supplying military aid and weapons to various African governments, including authoritarian regimes and military juntas, raising concerns about its role in fueling instability and undermining democratic governance.

Despite U.S. pressure and a temporary halt in support, reports suggest the UAE continued arms shipments through regional networks in Chad and Libya, often disguised as humanitarian aid. The UAE denies arming Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), citing a U.N. report that found no substantiated evidence.

However, a Reuters investigation showed that U.N. investigators are still probing the UAE's role, especially after it refused to release flight manifests for 15 cargo flights to Chad. Sudan has since filed a case at the World Court, accusing the UAE of violating the Genocide Convention—an allegation the UAE rejects, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction.

The implications of this investigation are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional security and international arms agreements. As the UN continues to investigate the UAE's role in supplying weapons to Sudanese rebels, the international community will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds.

In the broader context, this incident highlights the complexities of arms trade and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry. As the world grapples with the challenges of conflict and instability, it is essential to ensure that weapons are not being diverted to fuel violence and human suffering.