Sudan accuses UAE of sending Colombian mercenaries to fight alongside RSF

Sudan Accuses UAE of Fueling War with Foreign Mercenaries

Sudan government has directly accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of deploying foreign fighters to intensify the country’s ongoing civil war. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, officials alleged that Colombian mercenaries, along with individuals from unnamed African countries, were being funded and sent by Emirati authorities to support the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against the Sudanese army.

Alleged Evidence and Regional Impact

While Sudan claims to possess “irrefutable evidence” to support the accusation, the statement offered no concrete proof or specific names of the African countries involved. The government warned that the influx of foreign fighters represents a dangerous escalation in the conflict and could destabilize not just Sudan but the broader African region.

UAE Responds with Denial

In response, the UAE firmly denied all allegations. In an emailed statement to the Associated Press, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Sudan’s claims as baseless. According to the ministry, these accusations are an attempt to distract from efforts toward peace and shift blame for prolonging the conflict. The statement stressed that the UAE remains committed to supporting stability and humanitarian progress in Sudan.

Colombia Silent on Allegations

As of now, Colombian officials have not responded to the claims. The Sudanese government, meanwhile, continues to hold that hundreds of thousands of mercenaries have been hired across the African continent, further inflaming the violent struggle for power within Sudan.

A Conflict That Continues to Devastate

The Sudanese civil war, which began in April 2023, was triggered by growing tensions between the country’s military and the RSF. Initially erupting in the capital city of Khartoum, the violence has since spread to multiple regions, leaving a trail of destruction. So far, over 40,000 people have lost their lives, and approximately 12 million have been displaced. Millions more face the threat of famine.

Long-Standing Allegations Against UAE

This is not the first time Sudan has accused the UAE of playing a direct role in the conflict. For months, Sudanese officials have alleged that the Gulf nation has been arming the RSF. Though the UAE has repeatedly denied involvement, tensions between the two governments have continued to escalate.

Evidence from Amnesty International

Adding to the controversy, a 2023 Amnesty International report documented that Sudanese forces had captured armored vehicles originating from the UAE and equipped with French-made defense systems. While the report didn’t directly accuse the UAE of supplying the weapons for combat use in Sudan, it raised serious concerns about how the vehicles ended up in the conflict zone. In response, a UAE spokesperson labeled the claims as part of a disinformation campaign designed to tarnish the country’s international reputation.

Atrocities Committed on Both Sides

Both the RSF and the Sudanese military have come under international scrutiny for widespread human rights abuses. Reports of ethnic cleansing, extrajudicial killings, and sexual violence—some involving children—have prompted condemnation from human rights organizations. Despite the blame game between parties and foreign powers, the civilians remain the primary victims in a war that shows no signs of ending.

The Search for Peace Amid Accusations

While both Sudan and the UAE maintain their respective narratives, the allegations risk further complicating international diplomatic efforts. Analysts warn that if foreign involvement is proven, it could entrench hostilities and derail any hopes of a peace settlement in the near future.

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