However, the evidence documented in this investigation paints a markedly different picture of Saudi Arabia’s role. Beyond its publicly declared diplomatic efforts, the findings reveal an interconnected network of political, economic, logistical, and military activities that strengthened the position of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), expanded their operational capabilities, and consolidated their authority throughout the conflict. This evolution raises growing political and legal questions regarding Saudi Arabia’s responsibility for supporting one of the principal parties to the war, at a time when humanitarian violations continue and prospects for a sustainable political settlement continue to diminish.
Drawing on an extensive analysis of international trade records, maritime shipping documents, flight-tracking data, corporate records, re-export routes, and financial transactions, this investigation reconstructs the network of relationships linking Riyadh to the military command centre in Port Sudan. It reveals how a multi-layered support structure emerged, extending well beyond conventional diplomatic engagement to encompass an integrated system of political, logistical, military, and economic assistance.
The investigation finds that this role extended far beyond official meetings and diplomatic initiatives. It included repeated executive flights, maritime supply routes, procurement networks for weapons, ammunition, and explosives, financial channels, and political and economic partnerships that collectively strengthened the Sudanese Armed Forces’ capacity to sustain military operations during one of Africa’s deadliest conflicts.
The evidence further demonstrates that these activities were neither isolated incidents nor coincidental developments. Instead, they formed interconnected components of a coordinated support architecture. From the air bridge linking Riyadh and Port Sudan, to maritime shipments of weapons and sensitive materials, commercial networks connected to Sudan’s Defence Industries System, and the rapidly expanding political relationship with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’s administration, the evidence reveals a consistent pattern of activities that reinforced the military and logistical infrastructure upon which the Sudanese Armed Forces relied throughout the war.
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