Colombian Mercenaries in Sudan: UAE’s Proxy Warriors for the Rapid Support Militia (Janjaweed) and President Petro’s Concerns

Colombian Mercenaries in Sudan: UAE’s Proxy Warriors for the Rapid Support Militia (Janjaweed) and President Petro’s Concern:

Colombian President Gustavo Petro @petrogustavo has called for an end to the exploitation of Colombian soldiers as mercenaries, urging improvements in their living conditions and accountability for those responsible for international crimes. Petro has also instructed the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explore ways to repatriate the “deceived” Colombian youths from Africa.

This call for action follows disturbing reports, documented with photos and papers, that detail the deaths of numerous retired Colombian soldiers in ongoing conflicts in Sudan. These reports began surfacing last October following military operations by the Sudanese Army and its allies. Evidence has emerged of Colombian mercenaries in Darfur, fighting alongside the UAE-funded Rapid Support Militia.

Responding to an investigative report by the Colombian newspaper La Silla @lasillavacia, which included testimonies from Colombian mercenaries claiming they were kidnapped and coerced into combat, President Petro expressed his outrage. The investigation revealed deceptive recruitment practices, including soldiers being initially contracted for non-combat roles, such as maintaining oil infrastructure in the UAE, only to find themselves in active conflict zones under false pretenses.

La Silla’s investigative report also disclosed that the orchestration of these activities is led by retired army Colonel Alvaro Quijano, who resides in Dubai. The mercenaries were compelled by Global Security Services Group to fill out CVs and sign non-disclosure agreements. The company, as per its website, prides itself on being the first in the UAE to secure an armed security license.

The lucrative dollar payments are a significant draw for many retired Colombian soldiers. In this instance, soldiers were offered $2,600, and sergeants $3,400. They were required to open accounts at the International North Bank in Antigua and Barbuda, known for being a tax haven. Despite this, there have been delays in payment, and there are plans to send an additional 1,500 to 1,600 mercenaries through Benghazi, Libya to Sudan.

The desire to return home stems from a profound sense of betrayal among the soldiers, a sentiment President Petro has vowed to address by coordinating with African nations to ensure their safe return.

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