Colombian Mercenaries' Role in Sudan's RSF: A Comprehensive Report

Wed Apr 22 2026 06:24:26 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A recent investigation reveals the involvement of Colombian mercenaries, backed by the UAE, in supporting Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, culminating in the brutal takeover of el-Fasher.

A new report from the Conflict Insights Group has documented the involvement of Colombian mercenaries supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF). By tracking over 50 mobile phones of Colombian fighters, the investigation established direct connections to the RSF and highlights the crucial role these mercenaries played in the capture of el-Fasher, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Senior officials from the UAE have been linked to this mercenary network, with implications of war crimes arising from their actions.

A network of Colombian mercenaries supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reportedly aided Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in their capture of the western city el-Fasher last year. This claim emerged from a recent report by the Conflict Insights Group (CIG), which utilized mobile phone tracking data from these mercenaries.

The investigation revealed critical assistance offered by the mercenaries, emphasizing the UAE's extensive yet previously denied support for the RSF in their ongoing conflict with Sudan's regular army.

El-Fasher's fall has added to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced. According to the CIG's findings, this is the first time they can conclusively link UAE involvement with the RSF and establish the presence of Colombian fighters operating drone attacks in the region.

Justin Lynch, director of CIG, stated, We are making public what governments have long known - that there is a direct link between Abu Dhabi and the RSF. This report comes amid continued allegations of UAE's involvement in military operations alongside Colombian mercenaries, further complicating international relations in the region.

The findings point towards the involvement of the Desert Wolves brigade composed of Colombian mercenaries who have been documented operating drone flights from UAE bases to carry out assaults in Sudan. They traveled through various regions, and their connectivity to localized networks established a troubling link to significant military actions taken by the RSF.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro previously condemned the engagement of mercenaries, categorizing their recruitment as human trafficking. Analysts reiterate that foreign support has been essential to sustain and escalate the long-running civil war in Sudan.

The investigation highlights a worrying pattern of foreign mercenary involvement in conflicts, raising ethical and humanitarian concerns, especially as it correlates with recognized war crimes reported in the region.