Rights Group Accuses UAE of Being Mercenary Transit Point to Sudan

Rights group accuses UAE of being – A human rights organization has claimed that the United Arab Emirates functions as a critical transit route for Colombian mercenaries heading to Sudan. The group, Human Rights Watch (HRW), alleges that these combatants were facilitated by a UAE-based entity and moved through Emirati military sites prior to their involvement in conflict zones. This assertion intensifies international pressure on the UAE, which has faced scrutiny over its role in Sudan’s civil war, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been linked to war crimes and mass casualties.

UAE’s Role in Mercenary Deployment

The HRW report, released in late 2025, details how the UAE enabled the passage of foreign fighters, including Colombian troops, into Sudan. According to the findings, these mercenaries were transported via Abu Dhabi without passport stamps, suggesting a covert operation. The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contested the claims, insisting that its territory is not used for recruitment, training, or financial backing of combatants in Sudan or other conflicts.

“The UAE does not permit its territory to be utilized for the transit of foreign fighters in any conflict, including Sudan,” the ministry stated in response to HRW’s allegations.

War Crimes and Civilian Impact in Sudan

The Sudanese conflict, which began on April 15, 2023, has led to over 150,000 civilian deaths and displaced more than 12.9 million people. HRW’s analysis indicates that the UAE’s support for mercenaries may have exacerbated the violence by providing tactical and technical assistance to the RSF. This includes the use of advanced weaponry, some of which were sourced from Serbia and Bulgaria and transported through UAE infrastructure.

Survivors from the RSF’s siege of el-Fasher reported seeing Colombian fighters present during the attack. These individuals allegedly observed the RSF’s brutal tactics, including mass executions, without intervening. The presence of foreign mercenaries in the region has drawn global criticism, with HRW emphasizing the UAE’s indirect role in enabling such atrocities.

Recruitment Network and Training Infrastructure

HRW uncovered evidence of a collaborative network involving Colombian and UAE-based firms that recruited former military personnel. These recruits were lured with promises of employment in African conflict zones, often under the guise of drone pilot roles. Training took place in UAE military facilities, such as Ghiyathi and Al Wathba, before the mercenaries were deployed to Sudan. Their functions ranged from infantry support to operating heavy weaponry.

One interviewed mercenary described the process: “They didn’t stamp our passports,” he said, underscoring the UAE’s role as a hidden gateway for armed groups. This system allowed for rapid movement of fighters, with the UAE acting as a strategic bridge between Colombia and Sudan. The report also highlights the presence of Emirati military equipment among captured mercenaries, suggesting a deeper integration into the conflict.

Global Calls for Accountability

The accusations have prompted international calls for action. HRW urges the United Nations, African Union, and Western governments to investigate the UAE’s alleged involvement in Sudan’s war. In December 2025, the U.S. sanctioned a network of Colombian entities linked to the recruitment and training of soldiers for combat in Sudan, highlighting concerns over the UAE’s facilitation of such activities.

Meanwhile, the RSF has initiated its own internal review of actions taken during the el-Fasher offensive. General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo announced the inquiry to address potential violations by his forces. However, HRW’s findings suggest that the UAE’s role in enabling mercenaries could be a significant factor in the continued violence and human rights abuses in Sudan.