In late 2024, Colombian mercenaries were transported to Sudan to assist the RSF but faced a deadly attack from the Sudanese Armed Forces. Originating from a group recruited for the UAE, their involvement underscores the UAE’s military maneuvers in foreign conflicts. Despite earlier casualties, recruitment persists, driven by promises of lucrative employment.
In late 2024, a group of Colombian mercenaries was transported through a road in the Libyan desert to support the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. A drone strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) resulted in the deaths of 22 Colombian fighters before they could assist in the RSF’s siege of el-Fasher, North Darfur, which remains uncontested by RSF forces.
Reports indicate that these mercenaries were part of a larger cohort of 300 individuals initially commissioned to serve as security personnel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but were redirected to conflict in Sudan, underscoring the UAE’s involvement in supporting the RSF against the SAF.
The Colombian government offered apologies to Sudan for the involvement of its nationals in the conflict, acknowledging the complexities of international military engagement. Furthermore, the UAE had previously utilized Colombian mercenaries during its intervention against Houthi rebels in Yemen back in 2015.
Videos released by SAF soldiers on social media confirmed the presence of Colombian mercenaries, showcasing identification documents from the fighters, including that of Lombana Moncayo. Bellingcat, an investigative organization, used these materials to trace the mercenary’s movements in southeast Libya.
Jeremy McDermott from InSight Crime remarked on the UAE’s ability to leverage Colombian veterans, stating their extensive military experience and combat training make them valuable assets. He highlighted that Colombian mercenaries are often less expensive compared to other foreign soldiers, which further incentivizes their recruitment.
Colombian mercenaries are reportedly recruited through International Services Agency (A4SI), founded by Alvaro Quijano and Claudia Viviana Oliveros, and continue to be sent to Sudan despite the decline in safety. Rodríguez, a former shareholder in A4SI, revealed that the lucrative potential of this recruitment scheme could yield significant financial returns, asserting that the initiative remains active after the lethal drone strike occurred.
The involvement of Colombian mercenaries in Sudan exemplifies the international dimensions of regional conflicts, where foreign nationals are employed by global powers for military support. The UAE’s strategy of recruiting affordable and experienced Colombian troops highlights the growing trend of militarization in foreign policy. This narrative of mercenary deployment raises critical questions regarding sovereignty and international military ethics in contemporary conflict zones.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
