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New reports have revealed that Colombian mercenaries, supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and facilitated by a Libyan armed group, have provided critical military assistance to Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing civil war, according to both the United Nations and a security analysis organisation.

The findings, from a UN Panel of Experts on Libya and a separate investigation by the Conflicts Insights Group (CIG), shed light on the depth of foreign involvement in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.

Coverage Comparison

Africa News reported on the UN report, detailing how the Subul al-Salam Battalion, part of the Libyan National Army led by Gen. Khalifa Hifter, facilitated the transfer of recruits—including Colombian mercenaries—weapons, and fuel across the border to support the RSF. The BBC also covered the story, focusing on the CIG's investigation and the UAE's role, with the fall of El-Fasher described as a significant event in the conflict.

Both outlets highlight the foreign backing that has fueled the war, but the BBC's reporting includes more dramatic language about atrocities, while Africa News maintains a more neutral tone.

Key Claims

  • Colombian Mercenaries in Sudan: Both the UN report and the CIG investigation confirm that Colombian mercenaries have operated in Sudan in support of the RSF, serving as drone pilots, artillerymen, and instructors. According to the CIG, these mercenaries operated as part of the Desert Wolves brigade, and the group tracked over 50 mobile phones used by Colombians in Sudan between April 2025 and January 2026.
  • Libya's Role: The UN report, covering October 2024 to February 2026, says that Libya's Subul al-Salam Battalion facilitated the transfer of recruits, including Colombian mercenaries, and provided a rear base and airbase in Kufra for RSF operations. The battalion also helped RSF operations in June 2025 by deploying units on the ground and providing fuel and spare parts, according to the experts.
  • UAE Backing: The CIG report says that a network of Colombian mercenaries backed by the UAE provided critical support to the RSF, enabling it to capture El-Fasher. The UAE has long denied supporting the RSF, with officials previously rejecting what they called "false and unfounded allegations" and condemning atrocities in El-Fasher, according to the BBC. CIG director Justin Lynch said the research "proves UAE involvement with certainty," noting that mercenaries involved in drone operations named their Wi-Fi network after their unit, linked to a UAE-based company.
  • Atrocities and Casualties: The fall of El-Fasher was accompanied by mass atrocities, which have been assessed as war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to reports. The war has killed at least 59,000 people, though the exact figure is uncertain, and has created a severe humanitarian crisis.

Perspectives

The conflict in Sudan began as a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF, but foreign involvement has become a critical factor. Analysts agree that support from external actors for both sides has prolonged and expanded the war. The UAE's role is deeply contested: while the CIG claims to have proof of Emirati backing for the RSF, the UAE government denies these allegations and has condemned atrocities, maintaining that it does not support the RSF. The Libyan connection adds another layer, with the Subul al-Salam Battalion's actions potentially affecting regional stability, and the UN report noting that its support "weakened border security in southern Libya." These reports are likely to increase international scrutiny of foreign involvement in Sudan, but the full details of who supplied what to whom remain partially obscured by denials and lack of access to the region.