The Janjaweed are said to be armed with "all sorts of weapons" by the Sudanese government, but the quality and range of weapons is never mentioned. The Janjaweed are said to number around 20,000.
2006-09-01 02:06:59 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Prior to 1983, virtually all military aid to the Sudan was from the USSR and China. For a brief time (1983 - 1989) the USA sold arms to Sudan, primarily large end items (tanks and planes). So the Janjaweek, being armed primarily with Sudanese Army castoff small arms, are likely armed with AK-47, RPKs, PKMs, RPG-7s, etc. As far as I know the Janjaweed militias have no major military assets such as armored vehicles and helicopters. They operate using horses and technicals (civilian trucks mounted with machineguns).
2006-09-01 02:52:52 · answer #1 · answered by Charles D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Janjaweed are tribal militia. Like similar paramilitaries throughout the region, personal automatic weapons are the norm. Heavier firepower such as RPG-7Bs and DShK's aren't unheard of, but not standard issue for a bunch of cattle rustling thugs. The Sudanese military does back them up, but it's not that blatant, as they want to preserve an image of being above the raping, murdering, and refugee creation. Not moving hand in hand with the Janjaweed also reduces the risk of fighting the Chadians (and the French) immeasurably.
The Israelis do NOT support the Janjaweed. That's complete nonsense. Putting an actual number on Janjaweed membership is pretty dodgy as well. It's not an organized group with a political arm along the lines of the IRA/Sinn Fein. If it were such a thing, appealing to the group's sense of humanity through careful negotiation would at least stand a chance.
2006-09-01 06:31:37 · answer #2 · answered by Nat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like most of the oranizations like this I'm sure that the weapons are of the RUSSIAN persuasion. AK-47's, RPG's and such, if not bought from Russia probably sent there from other Arab nations since they Janjaweed are an Arab group.
2006-09-01 02:26:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are most probably American weapons, sold by Israel. Over 55% of Israel's exports is arms, mostly repackaged ordnance that came in as part of their $43 billion in US aid.
2006-09-01 02:10:00 · answer #4 · answered by nora22000 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋