A Canadian arms manufacturer’s emblem has been linked to weaponry used by a paramilitary group in Sudan, which has been implicated in civilian massacres. The ongoing civil war in Sudan, which began on April 15, 2023, has caused widespread destruction to civilian infrastructure, devastated healthcare facilities, and led to a humanitarian crisis affecting over 12 million internally displaced people. El Fasher, the final stronghold of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Darfur, has witnessed intense conflict, with the city falling to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on October 26. Reports of civilian massacres followed the city’s capture.
Evidence gathered by CBC’s visual investigations team has identified rifles bearing the logo of Sterling Cross Defense Systems, a company based in Abbotsford, B.C., in the possession of RSF fighters in Sudan. These findings were corroborated by multiple images posted online and verified by CBC, showing the Sterling Cross XLCR sniper rifles being wielded by fighters in Sudan since at least 2023. The verification process involved geolocating the images in Sudan and matching emblems and camouflage patterns to those present in Sudan. The distinctive logo of Sterling Cross on the rifles’ lower receivers further confirmed the connection.
Despite these revelations, Sterling Cross declined to comment on the specific details surrounding its weapons’ presence in Sudan. The company emphasized that its policies align with those of Global Affairs Canada, under the Export and Import Permits Act. Global Affairs Canada reiterated its commitment to reviewing permit applications for controlled items on a case-by-case basis and enforcing legal consequences for any violations.
Sterling Cross, established in 2008 and operating as a broker for international militaries initially, expanded its operations to include the production of rifles and ammunition for Canadian hunters in 2011. The company has had past contracts with the Canadian government, including supplying ammunition to the Department of National Defence. The XLCR rifle, produced by Sterling Cross since at least 2019, has been featured in various promotional materials showcasing the company’s products.
The proliferation of foreign weapons in Sudan, including those branded by Sterling Cross, has been highlighted as a factor prolonging the conflict. The involvement of international brokers in supplying arms to conflicting parties has raised concerns about accountability and transparency in arms trade monitoring. Experts suggest that stricter regulations and enhanced monitoring mechanisms are essential to address the flow of weapons to conflict zones like Sudan.
Canada’s arms export tracking system has been criticized for its structural gaps, particularly in monitoring weapons once they have left the country. Lack of granular trade data transparency hinders public awareness and accountability in tracking arms shipments to destinations like Sudan. Calls for improved mechanisms and stricter regulations to prevent the diversion of Canadian weapons to conflict zones have been emphasized by experts and former officials.
