A lawyer who fled Sudan has warned that Britain is indirectly fuelling the paramilitary crisis through its links to the UAE.
It comes as the International Criminal Court has warned of possible war crimes in the country’s Darfur region, after Rapid Support Forces (RSF) overthrew the city of Al-Fashir, the army’s last stronghold.
Mohaned has worked as a Sudan specialist with Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) since leaving his homeland.
“What’s happening in Al-Fashir is really horrific,” he told Premier Christian News. “The ICC’s decision is a positive step… but what we want to see is countries stop fuelling the war.”
He explained that the UK’s arms dealings with the UAE mean British weapons are being sold indirectly to the RSF: “Sudan is one of the richest countries for gold and minerals. The UAE market is full of Sudanese gold, which has our blood on it... The RSF has been getting support from the UAE for a very long time.”
"UK-made weapons have been used in this genocide," he alleged. "We need to let the UK government know: 'This is not good.'"
Violence, in particular against women and girls, is rife under RSF control. The situation is worsened for Christians, who face persecution for not following the RSF’s Islamic beliefs.
“Darfur is defined as a 100 per cent Muslim region, but in reality, there are thousands of Christians there who cannot practice, cannot worship,” said Mohaned. “Even though it is not a crime to convert to Christianity, the community authorities will not accept it.”
CSW had been working with a church in the region which was “destroyed” by the RSF. It had initially been providing food and shelter to people who were internally displaced. Since the attack, CSW have been unable to verify the whereabouts of its priest, or whether members of the congregation are safe.
Mohaned insisted that believers in the UK are “not powerless” to help the crisis.
“You can spread the word,” he said. “Pray for us, and support organisations which support Christians in Sudan. We need to keep praying.”