This article examines the troubling recruitment of Colombian ex-soldiers to fight in Sudan, focusing on the case of Christian Lombana Moncayo, whose identity papers surfaced following an ambush. Colombian authorities are exploring options to repatriate those involved. Key investigations link Lombana’s travels through the UAE and Libya to his potential involvement in the Sudanese conflict, amid escalating violence between rival factions in the region.
A geolocated video showing rocky formations in the Libyan desert could provide vital clues regarding the fate of a Colombian national, Christian Lombana Moncayo. Reports indicate that over a hundred Colombian ex-soldiers were recruited by a private security firm linked to the UAE to fight for the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan’s ongoing civil war. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has urged the Foreign Ministry to seek the repatriation of the implicated individuals. Ex-soldiers claim they were misled about their destination, which led to their unfortunate involvement in the conflict in Sudan through Libya.
On November 21, Sudanese Armed Forces released videos featuring personal documents, including Lombana Moncayo’s identification, subsequent to an alleged ambush on an RSF convoy near the border of Libya, Chad, and Sudan. The circumstances surrounding the capture of his documents remain unclear, as does his status—whether he was killed, injured, or taken captive. Investigations into Lombana Moncayo’s social media presence, particularly his final TikTok post, confirmed his transit through Libya.
Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war that erupted from a civilian uprising against former dictator Omar al-Bashir. This conflict has led to a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, the latter allegedly backed by foreign entities like the UAE. Libya has emerged as a viable conduit for mercenaries attempting to enter the conflict in Sudan.
In social media footage introduced on November 21, SAF troops are shown examining personal effects, including Colombian passports, after capturing an RSF convoy. Bellingcat established a connection between Lombana Moncayo’s documents and his online activity, confirming his travel itinerary from Colombia through Abu Dhabi to Libya. Bellingcat concluded that Lombana Moncayo likely entered Libya before making his way to Sudan, supporting the narratives cited by La Silla Vacia regarding the recruitment scheme as well as his possible ambush.
Investigators used various tools to trace Lombana Moncayo’s movements, ultimately identifying the area where he filmed his last social media post as being near Al-Jawf, Libya. Their findings suggest these locations correlate with testimonies about the movement of Colombian nationals across Libya into Sudan, tying together key events occurring just days apart. This investigation sheds light on the alarming recruitment practices targeting Colombian ex-soldiers amid the backdrop of a brutal civil war.
The context of this investigation centers on the recent recruitment of former Colombian soldiers to participate in the civil conflict in Sudan, specifically backing the Rapid Support Forces. This alarming trend has come to light amid broader international concerns involving mercenary operations orchestrated through networks that extend from Colombia to the UAE and Libya. The ongoing civil war within Sudan has resulted in a precarious and violent situation, prompting foreign involvement and raising ethical questions regarding mercenary engagement in conflict zones. The suspected role of Libyan lands as a transit point for these mercenaries introduces additional complications, emphasizing pre-existing geopolitical dynamics in North Africa. Escalating violence in Sudan poses threats not just to local populations but also to foreign recruits who may be misled into joining such conflicts.
The investigation into Christian Lombana Moncayo’s involvement in the Sudanese conflict highlights significant issues surrounding the recruitment of mercenaries from Colombia. Misleading recruitment practices and the odyssey of Colombian nationals through Libya underscore the grave risks associated with such engagements. The lack of clarity regarding Moncayo’s fate warrants the urgent attention of Colombian authorities, as President Petro seeks avenues for repatriation. These developments exemplify the complexities of modern conflict recruitment and the vital need for scrutiny regarding foreign mercenary involvement in war-torn regions.
Original Source: www.bellingcat.com
