War in Sudan: Outside Weapons and What Can Be Done Next

October 8, 2026 On 8 October 2026 at 3:00 pm CET, the Forum on the Arms Trade** and Control Arms will host an online discussion on the role of transferred weapons to the warring parties in Sudan and where to next for efforts to end this conflict. Sudan is facing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The devastating conflict has been marked by widespread bloodshed, atrocities and immense civilian suffering, while being sustained by external interests – many of whom are supplying weapons. Despite the scale and gravity of the crisis, Sudan has not received the level of sustained international attention and political action that the situation demands. The event takes place just a few days after the 5 October vote at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council to renew the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan for another year. In releasing the most recent report on September 3, the Mission’s chair noted “external support has not brought greater protection for civilians. Instead, civilians are paying the price through attacks on homes, hospitals, schools, markets and places of refuge.” The Council’s decision and this webinar provide an important moment to reflect on the international community’s response to the conflict and on what further action is needed to address the flow of weapons that continues to fuel the war. ​ Most importantly, the discussion will look ahead: What more can civil society, states, international organisations and other stakeholders do to increase pressure for an end to the flow of weapons, strengthen accountability, protect civilians and bring the war in Sudan to an end? Panelists: Navid Kermani, author (recently returned from Sudan, see upcoming book In the Other Direction Now: Dispatches from East Africa) Kholood Khair, Founder and Director, Confluence Advisory Frank Slijper, Arms Trade Policy Expert, PAX Caroline Buisman, Coordinator, Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan Hine-Wai Loose, Director, Control Arms (moderator) ** The Forum provides a platform for sharing of views but does not itself take positions. Video also available at https://www.forumarmstrade.org/events...