Reports link Eritrea to weapons supply route for Sudan army

Sudanese army soldiers celebrate as they patrol in Salha, south of Omdurman. [AFP] A day after Kenya denied allegations of arming Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), new reports have named Eritrea as a key route in the supply of weapons to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's forces based in Port Sudan. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura dismissed claims suggesting Kenya is playing a role in fueling the ongoing conflict in Sudan, asserting the country's position as a neutral peace broker. Addressing the media on Monday, June 16, Mwaura clarified that Kenya's involvement is strictly diplomatic, with its efforts focused on mediation and peacebuilding between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. "Kenya is not an architect of the Sudan war. We are committed to fostering dialogue through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) process, chaired by President William Ruto," said Mwaura. He noted that Kenya has a long-standing history of facilitating peace in the region, including the landmark 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and continued support for Sudan's democratic transition since 2019. According to Mwaura, President Ruto has been actively engaged in regional diplomacy, leading the IGAD quartet and hosting both General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) in pursuit of a ceasefire. Mwaura emphasised Kenya's exclusive focus on peace and humanitarian aid, highlighting the government's pledge of Sh258.4 million to support relief efforts in Sudan. Meanwhile, Eritrea has emerged in media reports as a new entry point for weapons supplied to Al-Burhan's forces. These include anti-aircraft weapons, barrel bombs and spare parts. According to the reports, former Sudanese intelligence chief Salah Gosh visited Asmara on Thursday, May 16, where he met President Isaias Afwerki. The two reportedly agreed that Eritrea would act as a front for purchasing arms destined for Port Sudan forces, using Eritrean ports and airports for transit. Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones and Iranian Mohajer-6 drones are among equipment reportedly moved through Asmara. The reports state these transfers violate United Nations resolutions prohibiting arms shipments to either side in Sudan's conflict. Eritrea's involvement in Sudan's war has grown since fighting began in April 2023. A report by Agence France-Presse earlier noted that the scale of demand had expanded beyond what private traders could handle, evolving into direct coordination between governments. Port Sudan forces have also reportedly relocated aircraft to Asmara in recent weeks after drone attacks struck military and civilian sites in Port Sudan. Eritrea is reported to have deployed naval vessels along the Sudanese coast and allowed Sudanese jets to operate from its airports. In addition, thousands of fighters from armed movements in Darfur are said to have received training in Eritrea before joining the Joint Force now fighting alongside Sudan's army in Kordofan and Darfur. Ties between Eritrea and Al-Burhan's administration have deepened over the course of the war. Al-Burhan has made several visits to Asmara, the most recent in April 2025. These developments come amid growing tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Addis Ababa has asserted a right to access the Red Sea via Eritrea's Assab Port. Asmara has rejected the claim, calling Assab a symbol of national sovereignty. A similar standoff occurred in July 2024 when Eritrea deployed warships along the Sudanese coast, a move that escalated tensions between the two neighbours. At the same time, Port Sudan forces have reportedly continued to stockpile weapons, including drones, tanks and missiles. Some reports say the military has constructed underground tunnels within its bases to store newly acquired strategic weapons and radar systems. According to the reports, the tunnels are intended to shield the weapons from drone attacks and provide long-term storage amid concerns over further RSF advances.

Reports link Eritrea to weapons supply route for Sudan army

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