UAE-Backed Colombian Mercenaries Supporting RSF War Crimes in Sudan

Colombian mercenaries, supported by networks from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are playing a significant role in facilitating war crimes committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.

A contingent of dozens of former Colombian soldiers has been deployed to Sudan, hired through the UAE-based Global Security Service Group (GSSG), led by retired Colonel Álvaro Quijano. Reports indicate that the number of mercenaries may be as high as 300.

The GSSG, now operating under the name “Fenix” in Sudan, is involved in various military activities, including the guarding of Nyala Airport and the training of child soldiers.

These Colombian mercenaries have been stationed in Nyala, South Darfur, a critical stronghold for the RSF. With UAE backing, they assist in securing the city and its airport, which is essential for RSF logistical operations from the UAE. An ex-mercenary, César, emphasized the strategic importance of the airport, stating, “If they take that runway, everyone there is lost.”

Moreover, the RSF has been reported to recruit children as young as 10 to 12 years old. Evidence from open-source intelligence (OSINT) indicates that these children are being trained by Colombian mercenaries to use various weapons, including AK-47s, RPGs, and Dragunov sniper rifles. César, reflecting on this troubling reality, remarked, “We’re training kids to get them killed.”

The recruitment and use of child soldiers in conflict zones constitute a violation of international law and are classified as war crimes. The collaboration of the UAE-based GSSG with the RSF in these activities further implicates them in committing war crimes in Sudan.