The British newspaper The Guardian revealed in an investigative report links between UK-registered companies and an international network recruiting Colombian mercenaries to fight in Sudan alongside the Rapid Support Forces, accused of war crimes and genocide.
According to the investigation reviewed by Altra Sudan, a small apartment in North London is connected to a company called Zeuz Global, suspected of recruiting hundreds of former Colombian soldiers who participated in battles in Sudan alongside the RSF, including the attack on El Fasher in late October, which analysts say resulted in at least 60,000 deaths.
Official records show the company was founded in April with a capital of £10,000 by two Colombian men in their fifties, who were recently sanctioned by the US for recruiting mercenaries for the RSF.
Reports indicate that Colombian mercenaries played a key role in combat operations, directly participating in battles, training RSF members, and operating drones used in El Fasher and fighting in Kordofan. Investigations suggest weapons and mercenaries reached these forces via the UAE, where network leaders reside, although the Gulf state denies involvement in Sudan’s war.
The UK company registry provides no information about the company’s activities, nor confirmation whether the sanctioned individuals reside in the UK. Attempts to contact the company failed, as its website remains under construction.
A UK government spokesperson told The Guardian that London demands an “immediate halt to atrocities, civilian protection, and unhindered humanitarian access,” highlighting recent sanctions on RSF leaders for their role in El Fasher.
The involvement of Colombian mercenaries in Sudan first emerged last year through a Colombian investigation revealing contracts with over 300 former soldiers, prompting the Colombian Foreign Ministry to issue an official apology to Sudan. The UAE, previously linked in investigative reports to RSF support, denied recruiting or financing mercenaries.
Despite reports of UAE support, investigations reveal British pressure to avoid criticizing the UAE’s arms supplies to the RSF. Sudan’s Foreign Ministry accused the UK of altering the Security Council agenda on April 29, 2024, which was meant to discuss Sudan’s claims of “UAE aggression.”
