# Wagner supplying Surface-to-Air missiles to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2023/05/wagner-groups-supplying-surface-to-air-missiles-to-sudans-rapid-support-forces/
- Published: 2023-05-28T08:36:39+01:00
- Author: Military Africa

Recent revelations from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign 
Assets Control (OFAC) have brought to light a concerning development in Sudan’s 
ongoing conflict.

The OFAC has disclosed that the Wagner Group, a private military contractor, has
been involved in supplying surface-to-air missiles to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces(
RSF) to combat the Sudanese army.

Although the report did not specify the type of surface-to-air missile system Wagner
Group supplies to the RSF, however, it may likely be man portable (MANPAD), or short
range air defence

The US Treasury Department on sanctioned Ivan Alexandrovich Maslov, the leader of
the Wagner Group in Mali, for collaborating with the Russian paramilitary group 
to disrupt the stability of several African countries.

The “Wagner Group has been supplying Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces with surface-to-
air missiles to fight against Sudan’s army, contributing to a prolonged armed conflict
that only results in further chaos in the region,” said the Treasury Department.

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Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E.
Nelson said; “the Wagner Group’s presence on the African continent is a destabilizing
force for any country that allows for the deployment of the group’s resources into
their sovereign territory.”

Last month, Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, expressed concern regarding
Wagner’s involvement in Sudan. However, he did not provide any evidence to support
his statement.

## The Wagner Group’s Role in Sudan:

The Wagner Group, known for its involvement in various conflicts around the world,
has gained notoriety for its mercenary activities. Sudan’s RSF, a paramilitary force
initially established to counter rebel groups, has emerged as a significant player
in the country’s internal conflict.

The revelation by OFAC that the Wagner Group has been supplying surface-to-air missiles
to the RSF raises serious concerns about the escalation and potential ramifications
of the conflict.

## Surface-to-Air Missiles and their Significance:

Surface-to-air missiles are sophisticated weapons designed to target and engage 
aircraft and other aerial threats. Their inclusion in the arsenal of the RSF poses
a direct threat to the Sudanese army, which relies heavily on air superiority in
its operations.

The acquisition of such advanced weaponry by the RSF suggests a significant shift
in the balance of power, potentially leading to increased casualties and further
destabilization in the conflict.

The revelation of the Wagner Group’s supply of surface-to-air missiles to the RSF
has the potential to exacerbate the already fragile situation in Sudan.

The surface-to-air missiles have significantly buttressed RSF paramilitary fighters
and their leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo as he battles for power with Gen. Abdel Fattah
al-Burhan, Sudan’s military ruler and the head of its armed forces.

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The RSF’s enhanced capabilities pose a direct challenge to the Sudanese army, potentially
prolonging the conflict and impeding efforts to reach a peaceful resolution. The
increased risk to aircraft and the potential for a higher number of casualties further
intensify the humanitarian crisis in the region.

A few days ago, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) [shot down a Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jet over Khartoum,](https://www.military.africa/2023/05/sudans-rsf-shoots-down-russian-made-mig-29-fighter-jet-over-khartoum-a-stalemate-emerges-in-the-ongoing-conflict)
the capital city on Tuesday.

This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, as it highlights
the military capabilities of the RSF and the increasing international involvement
in Sudan’s internal affairs.

Likewise, the disclosure by the OFAC sheds light on the involvement of external 
actors in Sudan’s conflict, raising concerns among the international community. 
The supply of advanced weaponry to non-state actors not only undermines the authority
of the Sudanese government but also violates international norms and sanctions.

According to an April 28th newsletter by Paris-based Africa Intelligence, there 
were reports that Wagner attempted to transport AK-47 rifles and man-portable air
defence systems (MANPADS) from the northern Central African Republic to Sudan. These
reports were based on information from US and French intelligence services.

But Yevgeny Prigozhin Wagner’s leader has [denied](https://www.military.africa/2023/04/wagner-group-denies-links-to-sudan-warring-party)
the accusations severally saying they do not operate in Sudan. The denial comes 
in response to reports by Western diplomats in Khartoum in March 2022 that the company
was involved in illicit gold mining in Sudan and other activities.

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[Sudan’s RSF has also denied the reports](https://www.military.africa/2023/04/sudans-rapid-support-force-denies-links-to-wagner-group/?amp=1)
of the Wagner Group’s involvement in the country. The government has stated that
it is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the country and has called
for an investigation into the reports.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been providing arms to both the Rapid
Support Force (RSF) and the Sudanese Army.

According to reports, the UAE has been supplying arms to both the RSF and the Sudanese
Army since 2014. These weapons reportedly include small arms, ammunition, and armoured
vehicles. The UAE has also reportedly trained members of the RSF in the use of these
weapons.

Weapons supplied to both sides include Zastava-produced M05 rifles, [Nimr Ajbans armoured vehicles (for the RSF)](https://www.military.africa/2019/06/uae-made-nimr-ajban-440a-4x4-light-armoured-vehicle-seen-in-sudan/?amp=1),
and Calidus MCAV (for the Sudanese Army), Also, On Tuesday, footage emerged of thermobaric
shells apparently supplied by the United Arab Emirates to the RSF and captured by
the military. Video showing crates of the 120mm thermobaric airdrop shells with 
markings suggesting they were manufactured in Serbia in 2020 and later supplied 
to the UAE.

Also, an investigative finding by _[Global Witness](https://www.globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/conflict-minerals/exposing-rsfs-secret-financial-network/)_
shows that the RSF bought over 1,000 vehicles during the first six months of 2019,
from dealers in the UAE. The shipments included over 900 Toyota Hilux and Land Cruisers,
models which the RSF frequently converts into ‘technicals’ – 4×4 military vehicles
mounted with machine guns. The militia received over 150mn Dirham (US $40 million)‘
for technical support’ from an unknown source, and used over 111mn Dirham (US $30
million) of that to purchase vehicles and communications equipment

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