Colombian mercenaries have entered the Sudan conflict, supporting the RSF, with recent attacks by the SAF resulting in the deaths of 22 fighters. Originally recruited for security roles in the UAE, these individuals illustrate the international dimensions of local conflicts, raising ethical questions regarding their deployment and recruitment practices.
Colombian mercenaries have emerged as actors in the Sudan conflict, particularly aiding the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in late 2024. The path through the Libyan desert, from Benghazi to al-Uwaynat, was utilized by these mercenaries, highlighting the international implications of local conflicts. Tragically, Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) targeted their convoy in November, resulting in the deaths of 22 Colombian fighters before they could participate in the siege of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which remains under SAF control.
Initially, approximately 300 Colombian nationals were recruited for security roles by Global Security Service Group, an Emirati firm, in the UAE. After their deployment in Benghazi, around 40 mercenaries were redirected to Sudan as part of the UAE’s strategic support for the RSF. In response to these incidents, the Colombian government issued apologies to Sudanese leaders for the involvement of their nationals in the conflict.
This incident is not unprecedented; the UAE had previously utilized Colombian mercenaries in its military operations, including a group dispatched in 2015 to confront Houthi rebels in Yemen. The presence of Colombian fighters in Sudan gained exposure when SAF soldiers shared videos detailing the engagement, including the identification of Colombian mercenary Lombana Moncayo’s passport.
Investigations by Bellingcat unveiled Moncayo’s route through Libya towards Sudan, emphasizing the logistical backdrop of these mercenaries’ movements. Jeremy McDermott of InSight Crime noted that the UAE exploits the economic vulnerabilities of former Colombian soldiers, offering them roles that utilize their combat experience at a lower cost compared to other trained soldiers. The operation has been associated with retired military personnel, including Colombian Army Col. Alvaro Quijano, who coordinated the recruitment initiative through the International Services Agency A4SI.
Despite the fatalities, recruitment activities reportedly continue, with aspirations to send an additional 1,500 Colombian mercenaries to Sudan. Observers highlight the financial motivation underlying these operations, with projected earnings amounting to significant sums for this recruitment endeavor.
The involvement of Colombian mercenaries in the Sudanese conflict illustrates the growing internationalization of local wars, driven by geopolitical strategies. The UAE’s recruitment efforts leverage the economic desperation of former Colombian soldiers, underscoring the complexities inherent in modern conflicts. Continued recruitment of mercenaries not only perpetuates violence but also raises ethical concerns surrounding the exploitation of vulnerable populations in ongoing geopolitical struggles.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
