Child Soldiers in Sudan Report Training by Colombian Mercenaries

Former child soldiers in Sudan have provided firsthand accounts of being abducted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and trained by Colombian mercenaries. These children, some as young as 15, describe being shackled to anti-aircraft guns and forced to conduct artillery strikes under the supervision of foreign fighters. The reports link these mercenaries to recruitment by a state-linked firm in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), though the UAE denies any involvement. Tens of thousands of children are estimated to be conscripted in the ongoing war, which is now in its fourth year.

// Background

The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which grew out of the Janjaweed militias. Colombia has a large pool of military veterans due to decades of internal conflict; many seek high-paying mercenary work abroad due to meager pensions and scarce civilian job prospects. Despite a recent Colombian law barring citizens from fighting in foreign conflicts, recruitment continues.

// Key Developments

• Six former child soldiers provided testimony to the AP regarding their forced conscription by the RSF.
• Two boys specifically identified Colombian mercenaries as their trainers in Khartoum and Omdurman.
• Abuses reported include being shackled to weapons during airstrikes and being beaten with electric batons for disobedience.
• Human Rights Watch and Conflict Insights Group allege the mercenaries were hired by an Emirati contractor and trained at Emirati bases.
• The UAE has issued a formal denial of providing arms, military support, or facilitating mercenary movement in Sudan.
• An estimated 10,000 Colombians are believed to be fighting in various foreign conflicts globally, including Ukraine and Somalia.