Weapons adorned with the emblem of a Canadian arms manufacturer have been discovered in the possession of a paramilitary group in Sudan linked to the slaughter of civilians, according to an analysis by CBC’s visual investigations unit.
The conflict that erupted on April 15, 2023, has caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure and devastated healthcare facilities in Sudan, leading to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. More than 150,000 individuals have lost their lives in the conflict, with over 12 million civilians internally displaced.
El Fasher, the final bastion of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Darfur, has become the focal point of Sudan’s escalating war. The city was under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for over 500 days, with allegations of ethnic cleansing against the RSF.
On October 26, 2024, El Fasher fell to the RSF, followed by reports of civilian massacres. Visual evidence, including photos verified by CBC, shows RSF fighters wielding rifles bearing the logo of Sterling Cross Defense Systems, a firearms and ammunition manufacturer based in Abbotsford, B.C.
The CBC visual investigations team authenticated these images, either by geolocating them in Sudan or matching emblems and designs to those used in Sudan. The distinctive logo of the Sterling Cross XLCR rifle is visible on the weapon’s lower receiver, above the magazine well.
In a separate incident on October 5, 2024, a video shared by the RSF displayed fighters in Khartoum carrying rifles with the Sterling Cross logo. Further scrutiny by international open-source intelligence researchers, in collaboration with CBC, confirmed the presence of Sterling Cross-branded weapons in at least nine photos or videos.
Sterling Cross, when approached for comment, did not address specific queries regarding its involvement in Sudan or international arms sales under the jurisdiction of Global Affairs Canada. The company emphasized alignment with Canadian regulations and compliance with the Export and Import Permits Act.
Established in 2008, Sterling Cross operates as a defense and logistics firm, primarily catering to the global market. While the company has had past contracts with the Canadian government, its current engagements and supply chain remain opaque.
The proliferation of foreign weaponry in Sudan’s conflict, including Canadian arms, has been highlighted by experts as a factor prolonging the war. Reports suggest that countries like the United Arab Emirates have played a role in redirecting Canadian equipment to groups like the RSF.
Efforts to regulate arms exports and hold accountable entities involved in such transactions have been undertaken by Canada through legislation like the Arms Trade Treaty. However, challenges persist in tracking and monitoring the movement of weapons post-export, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the arms trade industry.