Full Breakdown
UAE-Linked Recruitment and Training of Colombian Mercenaries for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces
5/28/2026, 1:20:01 AM
Alleged UAE Facilitation of Colombian Mercenaries
Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleges that Abu Dhabi-based Global Security Services Group (GSSG) recruited hundreds of former Colombian soldiers, trained them at Emirati military sites in Al Dhafra, Ghiyathi and Al Wathba, and moved them through the UAE, Libya, Chad and Somalia before deploying them to Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). HRW’s investigation, based on interviews with Colombian contractors and geolocated video evidence, links the mercenaries to infantry, artillery, drone operations and training of RSF recruits.
Background & Context
The Sudanese civil war erupted on 15 April 2023 when a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF—originating from the Janjaweed militias—turned into full-scale fighting. The RSF has been accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, especially during its October 2025 seizure of El Fasher in North Darfur, where at least 6,000 civilians were killed in three days.
Key Actors
- Global Security Services Group (GSSG) – Abu Dhabi security firm identified as the recruiter.
- Mausi Segun – HRW Africa Division director, leading the report.
- Mohammed Hamdan Al-Zaabi – Emirati national chairing GSSG, named by UN experts.
- Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo – RSF leader, who publicly acknowledged Colombian drone assistance.
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Denies any state involvement.
- U.S. Treasury’s OFAC – Sanctioned four individuals and four entities linked to the Colombian recruitment pipeline in December 2025.
Timeline
- 2024 – GSSG begins hiring Colombian contractors.
- Nov 2024 – First public videos of Colombian fighters appear on social media.
- Apr 2025 – Mercenaries train RSF recruits in Nyala, South Darfur.
- Oct 2025 – Colombian mercenaries present during RSF’s capture of El Fasher.
- Dec 2025 – U.S. sanctions Colombian network; HRW interview with mercenaries.
- Jun 2026 – HRW releases 83-page report detailing the recruitment chain.
Data & Statistics
- HRW estimates “hundreds” of Colombian contractors; GSSG records show at least 300 deployed by September 2025.
- Conflict impact: >150,000 deaths, >12.9 million displaced (UN); ACLED cites 59,000 deaths, likely an underestimate.
- El Fasher offensive: >6,000 civilian deaths in three days (UN Human Rights Office).
- U.S. sanctions targeted eight individuals and eight entities involved in the recruitment pipeline.
Why It Matters
If proven, UAE facilitation could constitute “aiding and substantially contributing” to RSF’s alleged war crimes, breaching the UN Security Council’s 2004 arms embargo on Darfur. The allegations also raise questions about the accountability of private security firms operating under state patronage and the effectiveness of international sanctions regimes.
Official Statements & Responses
- UAE Foreign Ministry: “The UAE does not permit its territory to be used for the recruitment, training, financing or transit of foreign fighters to any conflict, including Sudan.”
- HRW: Calls on the UN, EU, African Union and major powers to pressure the UAE to halt all military support to the RSF.
- U.S. Treasury: Sanctioned individuals and entities for recruiting and financing Colombian fighters, but stopped short of sanctioning the UAE itself.
- RSF Leader Dagalo (video, Feb 2025): Acknowledged that Colombian mercenaries helped operate RSF drones.
Criticism & Opposition
Human-rights groups, including HRW and the UN Panel of Experts, argue that the UAE’s alleged involvement undermines efforts to end atrocities in Sudan. They demand investigations into GSSG and its Emirati backers, and urge suspension of arms sales and military cooperation with the UAE.
On-the-Ground Reports
Survivors in El Fasher described “white fighters” in helmets and bullet-proof vests standing beside RSF troops during mass killings. A mercenary told HRW, “We didn’t stamp our passports; we went in and out, and there was a bus waiting for us to take us to a military base.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
UAE officials assert no state authorization for the activities, while HRW presents geolocated video, interview and munitions evidence linking Emirati facilities to the mercenaries. No independent verification of the chain beyond HRW’s sources has been released, leaving the full extent of state involvement unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The recruitment of Colombian private military contractors adds to a growing body of evidence that the UAE provides military support to the Rapid Support Forces, which have repeatedly carried out heinous atrocities in Sudan,” — Mausi Segun, HRW Africa Division
- “The UAE does not permit its territory to be used for the recruitment, training, financing or transit of foreign fighters to any conflict, including Sudan,” — UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- “Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo acknowledged in video comments in February that Colombian mercenaries have aided his group to operate drones.” — Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, RSF leader (video comment)
- “We went in and went out and there was a bus waiting for us to take us to a military base.” — Unnamed Colombian mercenary, HRW interview
What’s Next
HRW urges the UN Security Council to task its Group of Experts with probing GSSG and its Emirati leadership. The EU and African Union have been asked to consider targeted sanctions, while the United States may expand its sanctions list pending further evidence. Continued monitoring of UAE-linked logistics hubs in the Gulf and the Horn of Africa is expected.
