UN Report Links UAE to Colombian Mercenaries in Sudan

A confidential report shared with the UN Security Council in early November 2026 found that the United Arab Emirates helped fund and train Colombian mercenaries who fought alongside Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has been accused of war crimes and genocide.

Recruitment and operations

The UN Panel of Experts on Sudan found that UAE-based Global Security Services Group recruited the fighters, known as the “Desert Wolves”. The report said they trained at Al-Ghayathi and Al-Wathba military bases in Abu Dhabi, and at a UAE-linked facility at the Puntland Maritime Police Force base in Bosaso, Somalia, which was also used as a transit point.

The mercenaries supported RSF operations in Darfur, including the 18-month siege and capture of El Fasher in October 2025. Their roles included operating drones, artillery and infantry support, and training RSF combatants.

UAE response and UN candidacy

The UAE denied providing arms or military support to any party in Sudan. Its Foreign Ministry said authorities had investigated allegations concerning Global Security Services Group and informed the UN panel. A July 2026 UN report alleging UAE supply of mercenaries to the RSF was not made public after objections; Bahrain reportedly blocked its release at the UAE’s request.

The findings add scrutiny to the UN Secretary-General candidacy of UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh, who has previously denied UAE involvement in arming the RSF. The UAE has consistently rejected allegations of involvement in the conflict.

Important Facts for Exams

• RSF origins: The Rapid Support Forces grew from Janjaweed auxiliary militias used in Darfur, later reorganised by Sudan’s government as a paramilitary force.
• Cumulative legal test: Under Additional Protocol I, all six listed criteria must be met for a combatant to qualify as a mercenary.
• Convention’s wider scope: The UN Mercenary Convention’s Article 1.2 allows a person to qualify as a mercenary without directly participating in hostilities during a planned coup.