UN Probe Finds Foreign Support and Drones Fueling Sudan War Crimes

A United Nations fact finding mission has reported that foreign weapons, military technology, and logistical networks are sustaining the conflict in Sudan and enabling both warring parties to strike civilian areas with drones. The report states that more than 1,000 people were killed in drone strikes during the first five months of 2026. The mission accused both the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, noting that some conduct may amount to war crimes.

Investigators found grounds to believe that a network involving individuals and entities in the United Arab Emirates, Chad, Libya, and Somalia supplied the RSF with weapons, training, and personnel. The report specifically mentioned up to 2,000 Colombian contractors who helped operate and maintain drone systems used by the RSF. Some of these contractors were present during operations around al Fashir in Darfur, a city captured by the RSF in October 2025 where the UN previously noted mass killings bearing hallmarks of genocide.

Responses from the accused nations varied. The UAE denied providing arms or military materiel. Somalia stated it did not permit its territory to be used for military purposes but acknowledged gaps in information sharing between its federal government and regions. Colombia stated it opposes mercenarism and is taking steps to address the participation of its nationals in foreign conflicts. Chad denied all allegations and reaffirmed its neutrality, while Libya did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The UN mission also found that foreign supplied combat drones and loitering munitions expanded the Sudanese military's long range strike capabilities. These weapons were allegedly used in attacks on civilian locations, including Yabus Market in Blue Nile State and Ad Da ein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur, where at least 70 people were killed. Between May and July 2026, RSF drone attacks damaged critical infrastructure in El Obeid, disrupting water, healthcare, and transport. The mission has called for the UN Security Council to extend the arms embargo on Darfur to all of Sudan.