Key Takeaways
- Families of Colombian mercenaries are awaiting the return of their sons' bodies after numerous casualties fighting for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, with many reportedly lured by false promises of high salaries.
- The United States has sanctioned former Colombian Colonel Alvaro Quiroga (also known as Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra) and his wife, Claudia Oliveros, for leading a transnational network recruiting Colombians for the RSF, which is accused of war crimes and genocide.
- An estimated 300 to 380 former Colombian military personnel have joined the RSF in Sudan, with a broader mission aiming to place 2,500 men, offering salaries up to six times their army pensions.
- Colombian fighters, particularly noted for their expertise in drone and artillery warfare, played a crucial role in the RSF's siege and capture of Al-Fashir and have been involved in battles across Darfur.
The involvement of Colombian mercenaries in Sudan's brutal civil war has escalated, drawing international condemnation and new US sanctions. Families in Colombia are desperately awaiting the repatriation of their loved ones' bodies, many of whom were reportedly deceived into fighting for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under false pretenses. These former soldiers, enticed by promises of lucrative salaries, have found themselves embroiled in a conflict marked by widespread atrocities.
Recruitment Network Under Scrutiny
The United States recently imposed sanctions on retired Colombian Colonel Alvaro Quiroga (also known as Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra) and his wife, Claudia Oliveros, identifying them as central figures in a "transnational network recruiting Colombians" to fight in Sudan. This network allegedly funneled hundreds of former Colombian military personnel to bolster the RSF's ranks. The US Department of the Treasury stated that some recruits were even involved in training child soldiers.
Reports indicate that many of these Colombian ex-soldiers were initially recruited via WhatsApp with promises of security guard jobs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), only to be rerouted through eastern Libya and then into Sudan. One contract seen by AFP, for instance, showed a Colombian hired as a "security guard" with salaries routed through a Panama-registered firm. The promised salaries ranged from $2,500 to $4,000 per month, a significant increase—up to six times—compared to their army pensions.
Strategic Role in the Conflict
Colombian fighters have been instrumental in the RSF's operations, particularly due to their advanced expertise in drone and artillery warfare. This specialized skill set has been crucial in complex military engagements. Geolocation of footage shot by the mercenaries themselves places them at the scene of some of the worst fighting in Darfur.
Their involvement was particularly noted during the RSF's siege and eventual capture of Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, in October. This city was the Sudanese army's last stronghold in the sprawling Darfur region. The RSF, with support from Colombian fighters, successfully seized Al-Fashir amidst accusations of mass killings, abductions, and rape.
Humanitarian Crisis and International Implications
The deployment of these foreign mercenaries has further exacerbated Sudan's civil war, which has led to one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and facing acute hunger. The RSF has been widely accused of war crimes and genocide, particularly in Darfur.
While the UAE has repeatedly denied backing the RSF, several reports and investigations, including one by AFP, allege that an Emirati-based company, Global Security Services Group (GSSG), was involved in paying the mercenaries' salaries. A Guardian investigation also found connections between recruitment operations and companies registered in the UK, including Zeuz Global, founded by the sanctioned Colombian nationals. The Colombian government has apologized to Sudan's leaders for the involvement of its nationals, stressing a commitment to resolving the situation and ensuring their return.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.