Baykar, one of Turkey’s leading defense companies, is facing accusations of supplying $120 million worth of weapons and ammunition to Sudan’s military amid the ongoing conflict in the country. According to a Washington Post report, Baykar is allegedly involved in violating US and EU sanctions aimed at Sudan, with shipments including drones and warheads sent to Sudan’s army between August and November of 2023. The shipments are linked to the brutal civil war that has ravaged Sudan for over a year.

Baykar’s Alleged Role in Arms Shipments to Sudan

Baykar, a key player in Turkey’s defense sector, is accused of sending significant amounts of military hardware to Sudan. Between August and November of 2023, the company reportedly delivered several shipments containing drones, warheads, and other military equipment to Sudanese forces. The first shipment reportedly arrived in Port Sudan in August, with the final delivery taking place on September 15, 2023.

Documents obtained by the Washington Post suggest that a contract for the arms shipment was signed on November 16, 2023, by Sudan’s military procurement agency. This contract reportedly included six TB2 drones and 600 warheads, products that are a significant part of Baykar’s defense production.

In September, Sudanese officials reportedly thanked Baykar, with internal company documents revealing their appreciation for Turkey’s “most significant support.” The arms shipments have raised alarms regarding potential violations of international sanctions, particularly US and EU restrictions aimed at curbing Sudan’s military capabilities amid its ongoing conflict.

Sudan Conflict Escalates Amid Foreign Arms Supply

The Sudanese conflict, which erupted in April 2023 following a power struggle between army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and paramilitary chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has drawn attention to the involvement of foreign powers. Baykar’s alleged role in arming Sudan’s military adds to the growing list of nations accused of fueling the brutal 22-month-long war.

Turkey’s involvement is not an isolated case. Other foreign actors, including the UAE and Russia, have been implicated in providing arms or supporting factions within Sudan’s war. In November 2023, Amnesty International reported that UAE-manufactured armored vehicles, equipped with French technology, were being used by Sudanese paramilitary forces, further complicating the conflict.

The International Court of Justice has since stated that Sudan filed a complaint against the UAE, accusing them of violating the Genocide Convention due to their involvement in the war. Meanwhile, Russia has made significant strides in strengthening its position in Sudan, including a recent agreement to establish a naval base in Port Sudan. This move is seen as part of Russia’s growing presence along the Red Sea, a strategically important region.

Despite an extended UN arms embargo on Sudan in October 2023, the country continues to receive significant foreign support, with little to no action taken against these alleged violations.

Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan Worsens

The ongoing conflict has caused massive devastation across Sudan, particularly in Khartoum, where heavy fighting has destroyed the city’s infrastructure. The war has fueled deadly ethnic violence and pushed the country further into a dire humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has classified the war as the worst global humanitarian disaster, with over 14 million people displaced.

The war has triggered widespread famine, leaving millions of Sudanese without access to essential resources. The World Health Organization estimates that between 20,000 and 150,000 people have died as a result of the conflict. The situation continues to worsen, with no clear path to peace in sight.

The involvement of foreign powers in Sudan’s civil war has only served to intensify the violence, making it harder to find a peaceful resolution. With allegations of arms shipments from countries like Turkey, the UAE, and Russia, and little action from international bodies, the situation remains precarious.

Global Response and Calls for Action

As international scrutiny intensifies, calls for greater action to hold foreign actors accountable are growing louder. Despite the extension of the UN arms embargo on Sudan, the flow of weapons into the country continues, further fueling the conflict. Global organizations like Amnesty International and the International Court of Justice are pushing for stronger measures to prevent foreign involvement in Sudan’s war, but the challenges of enforcing these regulations remain significant.

The situation in Sudan highlights the broader issue of foreign influence in internal conflicts, with many countries using Sudan as a proxy battleground to assert their power in the region. For Sudan, this foreign intervention has exacerbated an already volatile situation, making it increasingly difficult for the country to find peace.

Looking Ahead

As the conflict in Sudan continues, the allegations against Baykar and other foreign actors will likely remain a central point of international debate. The situation in Sudan is far from resolved, and the involvement of foreign powers will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the war.

For ongoing updates on Sudan’s conflict and the international response, visit Wallstreet Storys.