The UAE trained Colombian mercenaries to fight alongside the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s devastating conflict, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). This report further accuses the wealthy Gulf monarchy of financially and militarily supporting the RSF, known for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
The UAE denied these accusations when questioned by The Associated Press. HRW’s findings add to mounting evidence against the UAE’s military support for the RSF, says Mausi Segun, Executive Director of HRW’s Africa Division.
The Sudanese war began on April 15, 2023, from a power struggle between the army and the RSF, erupting in the capital Khartoum and other regions in northeastern Africa. The RSF evolved from the feared Janjaweed militia, infamous for early 2000s atrocities against people from eastern and central Africa in Darfur.
“Recruitment of Colombian military contractors contributes to growing evidence of UAE military assistance to the RSF, which has committed repeated atrocities in Sudan.” – Mausi Segun
The HRW report indicates that Colombian mercenaries were trained by Emiratis in a military base in Al Dhafra, west of Abu Dhabi, and another facility in the city. Before deployment to Sudan, a Colombian mercenary reportedly trained RSF recruits near Nyala, Darfur’s capital, mentioning many recruits were “young children.” HRW verified accounts with another Colombian mercenary and sources, including ex-military officials.
In a September report to the UN Security Council, a panel confirmed Colombian mercenaries fought in places like Khartoum, Omdurman, and Darfur, handling drones, artillery, armored vehicles, and direct attacks. RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo admitted in February that Colombian mercenaries aided with drone operations.
HRW revealed the mercenaries were hired by Global Security Services Group, a private Abu Dhabi-based firm led by Emirati Mohamed Hamdan Al Zaabi. UAE authorities and the company did not comment, but the UAE Foreign Affairs Ministry denied the allegations, stating they do not permit UAE territory for recruiting or training foreign fighters for conflicts, including Sudan.
HRW verified videos showing Colombian-looking mercenaries fighting alongside RSF in El Fasher, Darfur, in October during a UN-described genocidal offensive. At least 6,000 people died in three days, according to the UN. HRW urged international community, including the EU, to pressure UAE to cease RSF support through military cooperation and arms sales suspension.
“Other countries must stop accepting UAE’s categorical denials of RSF support, contradicted by facts, and should end impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity.” – Mausi Segun
The US has sanctioned several individuals and companies in Colombia for allegedly recruiting mercenaries for RSF, but hasn’t addressed alleged UAE support. RSF has been accused of “summary executions, ethnically motivated attacks, sexual and gender-based violence, and torture” during the war. Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project reports at least 59,000 deaths over three years, but considers this a likely underestimate due to reporting difficulties.
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