Acting Sudanese Ambassador in Nairobi Mohamed Osman Akasha met with Colombian Ambassador to Kenya Pedro Leon Cortes to discuss the involvement of Colombian mercenaries fighting alongside the RSF in Sudan.
Ambassador Akasha stated that Abu Dhabi is the main sponsor of the RSF, providing military, financial, and political support, including the recruitment of mercenaries from multiple countries, including Colombia. He cited evidence collected by the Sudanese Armed Forces and investigative reports by international media confirming UAE involvement.
Ambassador Cortes expressed deep regret over these activities, clarifying that the Colombian government and people have no official connection, and attributing the involvement to a small group of former military personnel lured by money. He added that President Gustavo Petro, in coordination with Colombian institutions, has introduced measures to criminalize mercenary recruitment and launched a national awareness campaign.
The acting Sudanese ambassador welcomed these steps and emphasized Sudan’s readiness to cooperate with Colombia through information sharing and joint coordination, both bilaterally and via regional and international frameworks, to curb mercenary recruitment and deployment to Sudan.
