At least 300 Colombian ex-soldiers are reportedly involved in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, with allegations of recruitment by a multinational operation linked to the UAE, according to La Silla Vacía, a Colombian investigative platform. The report, published Tuesday, claims these soldiers were misled about their mission by the Colombian firm International Services Agency A4SI, initially promised roles safeguarding UAE oil facilities. Instead, they were redirected to Libya and then covertly transported to Sudan to support the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The journey, conducted over eight days via desert routes, positioned the mercenaries in North Darfur, specifically around El Fasher, where recent clashes resulted in fatalities. The family of a Colombian soldier confirmed his death during October shelling, with reports of significant casualties among their group.
A video circulating online shows documents and identification cards purportedly linked to the mercenaries, captured by a Sudanese Armed Forces-aligned group known as the Joint Forces. These forces claimed responsibility for ambushing a logistics convoy from Libya, killing and detaining several Colombian fighters.
The report highlights an intricate international network involving Colombia, the UAE, Libya, and Sudan. It alleges that private security firms and paramilitary entities facilitated the operation, with supposed backing from the UAE. Such allegations echo previous controversies, including a 2020 case where UAE-linked firms allegedly deployed Sudanese recruits to Libya under deceptive agreements.
Colombian soldiers reportedly fear severe consequences, including execution, for refusing to fight alongside the RSF. Additionally, testimony suggests a broader plan to deploy over 1,500 Colombian troops to Sudan under lucrative contracts.
The UAE, previously accused by Sudan’s government of arming the RSF, denies any ongoing involvement since April 2023. Radio Dabanga reports that these developments further complicate Sudan’s conflict, raising concerns about the global dimensions of the crisis and the UAE’s role in regional instability.