Over 300 Colombian ex-soldiers have been recruited to fight alongside Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to an investigative report by Colombian news site La Silla Vacía.
According to La Silla Vacía, the former soldiers were recruited by Colombian private military companies, including the International Services Agency A4SI (Academy for Security Instruction), under the guise of providing security for oil infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, upon arrival, the recruits were redirected to Libya, where they were handed over to RSF representatives.
The Colombian soldiers reportedly signed confidentiality agreements with UAE-linked private security companies, including Global Security Services Group and were promised monthly salaries between $2,600 and $3,400.
They were reportedly stationed in Benghazi before being covertly transported across the desert into Sudan. Reports indicate they endured an eight-day journey to North Darfur, where they joined RSF operations in areas like El Fasher.
The report details the experiences of Colombian mercenaries, many of whom claim to have been misled about the nature of their deployment. The report also suggests that at least 40 Colombian soldiers are fighting under duress, fearing execution if they refuse to participate in combat.
At least three Colombian soldiers were killed during clashes in October, with one family confirming their relative’s death due to heavy shelling. A video circulating online shows captured Colombian ID cards and documents, allegedly recovered by Sudanese Armed Forces-aligned Joint Forces after ambushing an RSF logistics convoy.
Documents, including #Colombia/n passports and military IDs, were found on NOV 20 in the #Sudan–#Libya border region by Darfur’s Joint Force (SAF-allied group) These papers revealed the identities of mercenaries fighting for the UAE-BACKED MILITIA RSF (a group accused of severe… pic.twitter.com/kkm4amd2YS
— Mohamed Mustafa – محمد مصطفى جامع (@Moh_Gamea) November 28, 2024
NEW: UAE recruits Colombian ex-soldiers for RSF
More than 300 Colombian ex-soldiers fight for RSF in Sudan
According to the Colombian website La Silla Vacía, more than 300 Colombian ex-combatants registered with two military companies are fighting for the RSF in Sudan.
Some… pic.twitter.com/AF6Psd7oRV
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 30, 2024
The situation mirrors a 2020 incident involving the UAE-based Black Shield Security Services Company, which reportedly lured Sudanese recruits under similar false pretenses before deploying them to Libya.
The UAE has previously been accused of supporting the RSF, both financially and militarily, despite international arms embargoes. A report by UN monitors and accusations made during a UN Security Council meeting earlier this year highlighted alleged Emirati arms transfers to the RSF, claims that the UAE has repeatedly denied.
Colombia’s Foreign Minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo, expressed regret over the involvement of Colombian nationals in Sudan’s war during a phone call with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef. Murillo emphasized the need for cooperation to ensure their safe return. Sudan, in turn, expressed disappointment at the participation of Colombian soldiers in support of the RSF, a group it has classified as a terrorist organization responsible for severe crimes against civilians.
