Trump envoy calls for Sudan-wide arms embargo as drone attacks escalate

What the report says

US President Donald Trump’s senior Africa envoy, Massad Boulos, has urged the UN Security Council to extend Sudan’s existing arms embargo beyond Darfur to cover the entire country, as drone attacks intensify in the civil war. BBC Africa reports that the appeal came during a council discussion on Sudan, where officials warned that external military and financial support is helping sustain the conflict.

The war, now in its fourth year, has pitted Sudan’s army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, with both sides accused of using drones. According to UN officials cited by BBC Africa, recent strikes have hit civilian sites including markets, schools, fuel stations and water infrastructure. The article says the UN has documented 1,100 civilian deaths from drone attacks between January and June this year, while the wider toll from the war is believed to be far higher.

BBC Africa says a broader embargo would need a Security Council vote, but Russia and China oppose the idea, arguing it could weaken Sudan’s army. Sudan’s UN envoy raised similar concerns, while army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said new sanctions would not alter the military’s position. The existing Darfur embargo is due to expire next month unless renewed or changed.

The report adds that the fighting has drawn in regional and international interests, with repeated allegations of outside arms supplies to both sides. Those claims have been denied by the parties involved.