Colombian mercenaries were involved in the Sudan conflict in 2024, where a caravan was attacked by Sudanese Armed Forces, resulting in the deaths of 22 fighters. These individuals were recruited for security roles in the UAE before being redirected to support the Rapid Support Forces against the Sudanese Armed Forces. The UAE’s pattern of employing Colombian mercenaries and the socio-economic factors influencing recruitment are highlighted in this ongoing issue.
In late 2024, a group of Colombian mercenaries traversed a road through the Libyan desert, heading towards Sudan to join the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Their journey ended tragically when Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) targeted their caravan in November, resulting in the deaths of 22 Colombian fighters before they accessed el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which remains the only state in western Sudan uncontested by the RSF.
The Colombian mercenaries were initially recruited under a contract as security personnel for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by Global Security Service Group. However, about 40 of them were redirected to Benghazi and subsequently pushed into western Sudan to support the RSF’s efforts against the SAF. In response to the incident, the Colombian government expressed its regret and issued apologies to Sudanese authorities.
This incident exemplifies a pattern of the UAE deploying Colombian mercenaries in conflict zones, reflected in previous missions where they fought Houthi rebels in Yemen, and highlights the growing internationalization of conflicts. Evidence of the Colombian presence emerged from videos shared by SAF on social media, showcasing documents belonging to mercenaries, including a passport of Lombana Moncayo, which aided investigative efforts by Bellingcat.
Jeremy McDermott, co-founder of InSight Crime, noted the UAE’s strategic exploitation of former Colombian soldiers, highlighting their combat experience and affordability compared to ex-soldiers from other nations. He remarked, “It’s not just the training, but it’s the combat experience. And this is where the Colombians are far and away ahead of most militaries in the world.”
Retired Army Colonel Alvaro Quijano is identified as a key figure orchestrating the recruitment of these mercenaries, working through the International Services Agency A4SI, owned by his wife. A4SI’s recruitment activities continue despite the recent fatalities, with projections suggesting potential earnings of approximately 32 billion pesos ($7.7 million) if they successfully deploy 1,500 personnel to Sudan.
The involvement of Colombian mercenaries in the Sudan conflict underscores a concerning trend of international conflict escalation facilitated by private military contracts. With historical patterns in play, this incident indicates a persistent trend of utilizing mercenaries in conflicts. Furthermore, the dynamics of recruitment, driven by the search for lucrative employment opportunities among ex-military personnel, illuminate complex international security issues that require deeper examination.
Original Source: www.defenceweb.co.za
