In brief
According to a report from the Conflict Insights Group, Colombian mercenaries have been providing crucial support to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has led to significant military successes, including the capture of el-Fasher. This investigation utilized phone tracking, satellite imagery, and other data sources to establish a connection between the mercenaries and UAE military backing, raising concerns about the humanitarian implications of this conflict.
A network of Colombian mercenaries supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has played a pivotal role in aiding the Sudanese paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in its military efforts, including the crucial capture of the city of el-Fasher last year, according to a recent report. The investigation by the Conflict Insights Group (CIG) reveals that over 50 mobile phones used by Colombian fighters were tracked across Sudan between April 2025 and January 2026, providing substantial evidence of their involvement.Despite the UAE's consistent denial of support to the RSF, the CIG's findings suggest otherwise. Director Justin Lynch emphasized this report as a significant breakthrough in proving UAE's involvement, linking these mercenaries to critical military operations involving drones and artillery amidst an escalating humanitarian crisis that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and mass displacement.The report documented a covert pipeline of Colombian mercenaries operating from staging grounds in the UAE to conflict zones in Sudan, particularly highlighting their presence in South Darfur and Nyala, locations vital for RSF operations. The CIG's analysis utilized a combination of technology, including flight data and social media, to substantiate its claims, marking an essential step in understanding the multifaceted nature of foreign influence in the ongoing Sudanese civil war.Colombian President Gustavo Petro previously denounced the recruitment of these mercenaries as a form of human trafficking, calling them 'spectres of death'. The implications of this report extend beyond mere military collaboration; it raises critical questions about international involvement in Sudan's civil conflict and the responsibilities of nations supporting mercenary operations in modern warfare.
