The Geopolitics of Remote Control
THE ACTORS: Who is involved and what are their roles? Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): Led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Engaged in conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Rapid Support Forces (RSF): Led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). Originally a paramilitary force, now opposing the SAF. External State Suppliers: The original Al Jazeera report identifies Iranian, Turkish, and
Emirati-sourced drones. Specifically, Iran's Mohajer and Ababil series, and Türkiye's Bayraktar TB2 (GlobalData, 2023). Arms Manufacturers: Companies like Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA) for Mohajer drones (US Treasury sanctions, 2022) and Baykar Technology (Türkiye) for the Bayraktar TB2. THE FUNDING: Where does their money come from? Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF):
Traditionally resourced through state budgets, but also through economic enterprises controlled by the military, including gold mining, agriculture, and defense industries. External military aid and arms deals are opaque but significant. Rapid Support Forces (RSF): Financially bolstered by extensive gold mining operations and alleged support from foreign powers, particularly for mercenary
activities outside Sudan. The RSF reportedly controls large gold mines (Financial Times, 2023). External Actors: Saudi Arabia and the UAE have historically provided financial and logistical support to various Sudanese factions, often tied to regional geopolitical objectives and security arrangements (Crisis Group, 2023). These funds indirectly enable drone procurement. THE INCENTIVES: What do they