A new investigation has revealed that a network of Colombian mercenaries may have played a key role in supporting Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces during major operations in the country’s ongoing civil war.
According to a report cited by BBC, tracking data shows that dozens of Colombian fighters were present in the western city of El-Fasher at the time it was captured by RSF forces. The investigation was conducted by the Conflict Insights Group, which used mobile phone tracking, satellite imagery, and flight data to trace the movements of the mercenaries.
The findings indicate that at least 50 Colombian nationals were tracked between April 2025 and early 2026, with several moving through key RSF strongholds during major military operations.
The report shows that these mercenaries were allegedly backed by the United Arab Emirates, although Emirati officials have denied any involvement and dismissed such claims as unfounded.
The capture of El-Fasher in October 2025 marked a major development in the Sudan conflict, which began in 2023 between the RSF and the Sudanese army. Following the takeover, widespread reports emerged of mass killings, displacement, and attacks on civilians.
A United Nations fact-finding mission later stated that the actions carried out by RSF forces in the city showed “hallmarks of genocide.”
The investigation suggests that the Colombian fighters operated as drone pilots, artillery personnel, and military trainers within RSF ranks. Analysts involved in the report say that such support may have significantly increased the group’s operational capabilities during the siege of El-Fasher.
Sudan’s ongoing war has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with an estimated 150,000 people killed and over 12 million displaced since the conflict began.
