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

US President Donald Trump's senior Africa envoy, Massad Boulos, has called for the UN to extend the arms embargo from Darfur to all of Sudan, fearing the conflict could spread. Drone attacks have intensified, with both the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accused of using them. The conflict, now in its fourth year, has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over 14 million people.

An arms embargo on Darfur has been in place for over two decades, but experts claim it has been ineffective in curbing weapon flow. The UN's humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, reported that recent fighting has involved heavy drone use, with civilians bearing the brunt of the attacks. Both sides have denied receiving external support, but experts have found evidence of weapons from several countries being used in Sudan.

The UN plans to increase the number of experts monitoring the embargo and reduce external actors' influence on the conflict. Despite the proposals, Sudan's military chief, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, expressed confidence in the country's ability to withstand any sanctions.