UAE Accused of Hiring Colombian Mercenaries to Support RSF in Sudan
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ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates is accused of paying Colombian mercenaries to assist Sudan's Rapid Support Forces in massacring thousands of civilians, a revelation that has intensified scrutiny over foreign involvement in the Sudan conflict.
The allegations, detailed in a report released on April 26, 2026, identify the UAE as the financier behind a network of foreign fighters deployed to support the RSF. The mercenaries, reportedly recruited from Colombia, are said to have operated in and around el-Fasher, a strategic city in Sudan's Darfur region where fighting has been particularly brutal.
The RSF, a paramilitary group engaged in a protracted war against Sudan's regular army, has been linked to numerous atrocities since the conflict erupted. The new accusations suggest that external funding and expertise have played a critical role in the group's ability to conduct large-scale operations against civilian populations.
Analysts point to strategic interests as the driving force behind the alleged UAE support. Control over Sudan's vast gold reserves, access to Red Sea shipping lanes, and influence over agricultural land are cited as potential motivations. The UAE has long maintained a presence in the region, often citing counter-terrorism and stability as reasons for its engagement.
The report does not specify the exact number of mercenaries involved or the total amount of funding provided. It also does not detail the specific tactics employed by the Colombian fighters or the extent of their direct involvement in civilian casualties.
The UAE government has not issued an official statement addressing the allegations. In the past, the country has denied direct involvement in the Sudan conflict, stating that its support is limited to humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts. The RSF has also not commented on the presence of foreign mercenaries.
The Sudanese government, led by the Transitional Military Council, has repeatedly called for international intervention to stop the violence. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have documented widespread abuses by both sides of the conflict, including sexual violence, forced displacement, and summary executions.
The allegations come at a time when the conflict in Sudan has displaced millions of people and created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Food insecurity is widespread, and access to basic services has been severely disrupted.
As the situation on the ground remains volatile, questions persist about the extent of foreign involvement and the potential for further escalation. The international community is under pressure to address the root causes of the conflict and hold perpetrators accountable for war crimes.
The report has sparked calls for an independent investigation into the allegations. Human rights groups are urging the United Nations to launch a probe into the role of foreign actors in the Sudan conflict. The outcome of such an investigation could have significant implications for regional stability and international relations.