Full Breakdown
Colombian Mercenaries and UAE's Role in Sudan's Conflict
4/22/2026, 10:48:58 AM
Colombian Mercenaries Support RSF in El-Fasher Capture
A recent report by the Conflict Insights Group (CIG) has revealed that a network of Colombian mercenaries, supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), played a crucial role in the capture of the western Sudanese city of el-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) last year. This investigation utilized mobile phone tracking data to establish a direct connection between the UAE and the RSF, contradicting previous UAE denials of involvement. The fall of el-Fasher has been described as one of the most brutal incidents in the ongoing conflict, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced.
Evidence of UAE Involvement
The CIG's findings indicate that the Colombian mercenaries were involved in drone operations and artillery support during the RSF's siege of el-Fasher. The report details a pipeline of evidence showing Colombian fighters operating under the "Desert Wolves" brigade, which is led by retired Colombian army Colonel Alvaro Quijano. The brigade has been linked to various atrocities during the RSF's siege, characterized by international observers as bearing the hallmarks of genocide. CIG director Justin Lynch stated, “The scale of atrocities and siege in el-Fasher wouldn't have happened without the drone operations the mercenaries provided.”
Tracking the Mercenaries
The investigation tracked over 50 mobile devices operated by Colombian fighters, revealing their movements from Colombia to a UAE military training facility in Ghayathi, Abu Dhabi, and subsequently to conflict zones in Sudan. Notably, devices connected to Wi-Fi networks named "ANTIAEREO" and "ATACADOR" were identified in RSF-controlled areas, indicating the presence of Colombian mercenaries during critical operations. The report asserts that the mercenaries operated as drone pilots and artillerymen, significantly contributing to the RSF's military capabilities.
International Response and Sanctions
The United States has previously sanctioned Colombian nationals and associated companies for recruiting mercenaries to fight in Sudan, acknowledging their support in the RSF's military operations. However, the US Treasury Department has not made a direct connection to the UAE. The Sudanese government has lodged complaints with the United Nations Security Council, citing systematic campaigns by foreign interests undermining Sudanese sovereignty. Despite mounting evidence, the UAE continues to position itself as a neutral party, rejecting allegations of involvement.
Criticism of Mercenary Warfare
Critics argue that the recruitment of Colombian veterans into mercenary roles reflects a broader crisis of accountability and exploitation. Many of these veterans have died without their remains being repatriated, their deaths often scrubbed from official military records due to their status as private contractors. The CIG's investigation highlights the urgent need for accountability in the face of a complex global network facilitating mercenary warfare in Sudan.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are making public what governments have long known - that there is a direct link between Abu Dhabi and the RSF.” — Justin Lynch, Director, Conflict Insights Group
- “The scale of atrocities and siege in el-Fasher wouldn't have happened without the drone operations the mercenaries provided,” — Justin Lynch, Director, Conflict Insights Group
The findings of the CIG underscore the significant foreign support that has perpetuated the civil war in Sudan, raising critical questions about international complicity and the humanitarian implications of such involvement.
