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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) sent mercenaries to fight alongside Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the country’s civil war, according to a confidential report by UN investigators, which reportedly contains compelling evidence of the alleged involvement.
The report, obtained by Middle East Eye, says Global Security Services Group (GSSG), a company with close ties to the UAE, transported Colombian mercenaries to Sudan through Libya, Somalia and Chad. The UAE has influence and control over allied groups in these countries.
According to the report, a base operated by the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) in Bosaso, a city in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region, was used as a transit and training hub for Colombian fighters. The UAE military reportedly funded, trained and supervised the force.
UN investigators said the mercenaries received training at bases in Abu Dhabi, Ghayathi and Al-Wathba in the UAE, as well as in Bosaso, Somalia. They were subsequently deployed to Sudan.
The mercenaries played a significant role in RSF military operations in Sudan’s Darfur region. In particular, they participated in the siege and capture of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. Their responsibilities reportedly included operating drones, providing artillery support and fighting alongside infantry units.
In October last year, the RSF captured El Fasher after a siege lasting more than 500 days. During the operation, the paramilitary group faced allegations of killing, raping and torturing civilians.
The UAE has rejected allegations of wrongdoing in the Sudan conflict. However, the country said it takes allegations involving mercenaries very seriously.
