UN Security Council briefed on UAE’s alleged role in bolstering RSF

Sudan has presented documents to the United Nations Security Council accusing the United Arab Emirates of recruiting and transporting Colombian mercenaries to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

According to the Sudanese News Agency, the evidence shows that the fighters were flown from the UAE to Somalia and later transferred to Benghazi, Libya, under the oversight of officers loyal to Khalifa Haftar, before entering Sudan through Chad.

The government estimates that between 350 and 380 Colombian nationals—mainly retired military personnel—were hired through private security companies operating in the UAE. Among those named were Global Security Services Group (GSSG), based in Abu Dhabi, and the International Services Agency (A4SI), headquartered in Al Ain and co-founded by retired Colombian colonel Álvaro Quejano.

Authorities said the mercenaries were contracted under the pretense of providing security services but were ultimately deployed to Sudan, where they fought under a unit called the “Desert Wolves.”

Officials allege that these groups took part in combat operations that caused civilian casualties, widespread destruction, the use of banned weapons, child recruitment, and the smuggling of natural resources.

Sudan described the campaign as a foreign war of aggression directed by the UAE and called for those involved to be held accountable. The government also urged that the RSF be designated as a terrorist organisation.