Weapons bearing the emblem of a Canadian arms manufacturer have been identified in possession of a paramilitary group in Sudan linked to civilian massacres, according to an analysis by CBC’s visual investigations unit.
The civil war that began on April 15, 2023, has caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, devastated healthcare facilities, and led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. The conflict has claimed an estimated 150,000 lives, with over 12 million civilians internally displaced in Sudan.
El Fasher, known as the last stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Darfur, has become the focal point of Sudan’s escalating conflict. The city was besieged by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for more than 500 days, with allegations of ethnic cleansing against the RSF.
Following the fall of El Fasher to the RSF on October 26, reports emerged of civilian massacres. Multiple online photos, validated by CBC, depict RSF fighters in Sudan wielding rifles with the logo of Sterling Cross Defense Systems, a company based in Abbotsford, B.C., specializing in firearms and ammunition.
The CBC visual investigations team authenticated these images by geolocating them in Sudan or matching emblems and camouflage patterns to those used in Sudan. The distinctive logo of Sterling Cross XLCR rifles, located above the magazine well, was confirmed.
On October 5, 2024, during the conflict for Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, a video shared by the RSF on its official Telegram channel showcased fighters with a rifle featuring the Sterling Cross logo.
Further investigations with international open-source intelligence researchers have verified at least nine photos or videos showing rifles with the Sterling Cross logo. The proliferation of foreign weapons in Sudan’s conflict, including the presence of Canadian arms, has been highlighted as a contributing factor to prolonging the war.
Sterling Cross, when approached for comments, did not address specific queries regarding its involvement in Sudan, international arms sales, or dealings with countries linked to factions in Sudan. The company affirmed its compliance with Global Affairs Canada policies and regulations.
Canada maintains an arms embargo on Sudan since 2004 and imposes sanctions on entities involved in the conflict. The flow of Sterling Cross-branded weapons into Sudan remains unclear, but experts suggest possible rerouting of Canadian equipment through countries like the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE has been accused of supplying arms to the RSF, although it denies such allegations. Streit Group, a Canadian firm, has also been implicated in providing armoured vehicles to the RSF. New regulations in Canada aim to enhance oversight on arms exports and hold companies accountable for violations.
In conclusion, addressing the accountability and transparency of arms exports from Canada to conflict zones like Sudan is crucial to prevent the misuse of Canadian-made weapons and support ongoing peace efforts.