UN reveals Colombian mercenaries involved in Sudan war with UAE support

A recent report by a United Nations (UN) panel of experts has revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provided financial assistance and training to Colombian mercenaries, who were fighting alongside a Sudanese military group accused of war crimes and genocide.

According to a confidential investigative report by the UN panel of experts, seen by Bloomberg and shared with the UN Security Council last week, a UAE-based private security company recruited Colombian mercenaries to support the 'Rapid Support Forces' (RSF). The report further stated that a base linked to the UAE in Somalia was used for the transport and training of these fighters before their deployment to Sudan.

This investigation has "definitively" established that a UAE-based private security company named 'Global Security Services Group' employed these mercenaries. According to the report, these soldiers stayed at the Puntland Maritime Police Force base in Bosaso, Somalia, which is linked to the UAE, where they were provided with transport and potential training.

The UN investigation concluded that Colombian mercenaries played a significant role in the RSF's military operations in Darfur. Specifically, these mercenaries were involved in the 18-month siege and capture of the Sudanese city of Al Fasher. The operations of these mercenaries included drone operation, artillery, and infantry support.

Previously, the UN had stated that widespread atrocities equivalent to war crimes and potential crimes against humanity had occurred in Al Fasher, with approximately 6,000 people killed in just three days. A civil war has been ongoing in Sudan since 2023, in which the conflict for power between the military and the RSF has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions.

On the other hand, the UAE has repeatedly denied all allegations of playing a role in the Sudan conflict. In a statement released on Friday, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "UAE authorities have investigated the allegations related to GSSG" and the UN panel of experts has been informed of these findings. The Ministry further added that the UAE has not provided any weapons or any kind of military assistance to Sudan and it continuously supports international efforts for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians.

This report could create difficulties for the efforts of top UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh to become the UN Secretary-General. Her campaign is already facing criticism and opposition from human rights groups and the Sudanese government due to her country's role in the Sudan war. While serving as the UAE diplomat at the UN, Nusseibeh had told the Security Council that allegations of UAE support for the RSF were baseless and without evidence.

After announcing her candidacy, Nusseibeh reiterated that the war in Sudan would remain her priority. She said in a statement, "The situation in Sudan is dire. Ending this horrific conflict will be my priority as Secretary-General." She also added that she had not seen this report and if any findings are released by the UN institution against any member state, she would fulfill her responsibility to work on them.

The struggle for power in Sudan has become a proxy war involving regional and global powers. This report adds to the growing evidence regarding UAE support for the RSF.