The United Arab Emirates(UAE) has countered Sudan’s claim about its flight carrying Colombian mercenaries, amid reports of the UAE’s involvement in supplying mercenaries to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. According to investigative reports, over 300 Colombian ex-soldiers were recruited by Emirati firm Global Security Service Group and Colombian company International Services Agency A4SI to fight alongside the RSF in Sudan’s civil war.
These mercenaries were allegedly lured with promises of security work in the UAE, but were instead deployed to Libya and then Sudan. They were reportedly paid between $2,600 and $3,400 per month, with some claiming they were forced to sign confidentiality agreements and were threatened with execution if they refused to fight. Sudanese authorities claim to have captured documents and ID cards belonging to Colombian mercenaries, which suggests that the UAE-backed RSF has indeed employed foreign fighters.
Retired Colombian Army Colonel Alvaro Quijano, who resides in Dubai, is said to be behind the operation. Quijano’s company, A4SI, targets retired Colombian soldiers with lucrative offers, often deceiving them about their ultimate destination and role. The mercenaries were transported from Colombia to the UAE, then to Libya, and finally to Sudan via desert routes, to avoid international detection.
The Colombian government has expressed regret over the involvement of its nationals in Sudan’s war and has urged cooperation to ensure their safe return. President Gustavo Petro emphasized the need to ban mercenary activities and called for the repatriation of Colombians deceived into fighting in Sudan. “Colombian soldiers should have better living standards, but those responsible for exploiting young lives for money abroad should face criminal charges,” he stated.
The UAE’s alleged involvement in Sudan’s conflict has raised concerns about foreign interference and the international dimensions of the war. The Sudanese government has accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, which has been fighting against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The UAE has repeatedly denied these claims, dismissing them as “baseless allegations”. However, reports suggest that the UAE has been supplying arms to the RSF, despite international arms embargoes.