Washington, DC — The ongoing conflict in Sudan has taken a concerning turn with reports emerging of Colombian mercenaries, known as the Desert Wolves, joining the fighting and training child soldiers for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the western city of El Fasher. The RSF has been accused of committing atrocities, including killings of civilians, in the region. An investigation by The Sentry has uncovered corporate records revealing that the Emirati businessman supplying these mercenaries to the RSF is a business partner of a high-ranking government official in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
This connection suggests high-level linkages between the UAE and the RSF, which has been accused of committing genocide in Sudan. The involvement of foreign mercenaries and the alleged support from a senior Emirati government official underscore the complexity and international dimensions of the conflict. To disrupt the flow of mercenaries to the RSF, authorities are urged to investigate and potentially sanction the firms involved, including those based in Colombia, Panama, and the UAE.
The United States, European Union, and United Kingdom are recommended to investigate individuals and companies such as Mohamed Hamdan Alzaabi, Global Security Services Group, Álvaro Quijano, Claudia Oliveros, International Services Agency (A4SI), and Global Staffing SA. These entities should be scrutinized for their activities related to undermining peace, security, and stability in Sudan, as well as providing material support to sanctioned members of the RSF.
Financial institutions are also advised to conduct enhanced due diligence on transactions involving UAE private security providers, their owners, and suppliers. This includes transactions related to Mohamed Hamdan Alzaabi, Global Security Services Group, Álvaro Quijano, Claudia Oliveros, International Services Agency (A4SI), and Global Staffing SA. Such measures are crucial in preventing the continuation of violent conflict and human rights abuses in Sudan.
The situation in Sudan remains dire, with the conflict causing significant humanitarian and political challenges. The international community’s attention to the involvement of foreign mercenaries and the alleged support from government officials in other countries highlights the need for concerted action to address the crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for authorities to take swift and decisive action to prevent further escalation and promote peace and stability in the region.