UN investigation says UAE recruited Colombian mercenaries for Sudan’s RSF, detailing their training and route into the country as scrutiny grows of diplomat’s UN bid

A confidential United Nations investigation says the UAE recruited Colombian mercenaries to support Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The New York Times obtained the report, which was submitted to the UN Security Council last week.

The report says an Emirati security company with close government connections trained the Colombian fighters in Abu Dhabi, then transported them into Sudan through territories in Libya and Somalia controlled by groups backed by the UAE. The mercenaries provided drone operations, artillery support and military training to the RSF.

The findings have also increased scrutiny of UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh’s candidacy for UN secretary-general, particularly because of her previous denials of Emirati involvement in Sudan’s war on the side of the RSF.