What's happened
AP and Independent report reveal that six former child soldiers in Khartoum recount being forced to fight with the RSF, trained by Colombian mercenaries. They describe being shackled to anti-aircraft guns and artillery, with civilians cited as targets. UAE-linked groups are accused of arming the RSF; UAE denies it, calling shipments humanitarian. Events illustrate a wider deployment of foreign mercenaries in Sudan.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The reporting centers on firsthand accounts from rehabilitation centers in Khartoum, underscoring the severity of child soldier recruitment in Sudan.
- The involvement of Colombian mercenaries is presented as a key variable, potentially shifting the balance of power on the ground by introducing foreign fighters.
- The UAE’s alleged role in arming or recruiting is contested by its government, adding a geopolitical layer to the battlefield dynamic.
- The piece implies a need for renewed international pressure and clearer accountability mechanisms for war crimes involving minors.
- Readers should watch for corroboration from additional sources and the potential impact on humanitarian access and diplomatic negotiations.
How we got here
The Sudanese conflict has drawn international attention for years. Rights groups have long warned of child conscription and abuses by various factions. Recent AP and Independent reporting ties Colombian mercenaries—allegedly recruited by a UAE-linked firm—to the RSF’s front-line operations in Khartoum and Omdurman, highlighting international dimensions of the war.
Our analysis
AP News has reported that six former child soldiers recount being forced to fight with the RSF, including training by Colombian mercenaries. The Independent adds details about the abuses at camps and the involvement of Colombians described by RSF fighters. Both outlets note UAE-denied arms shipments and humanitarian-narrative explanations. Cross-source consistency emphasizes the breadth of testimony and the risk of renewed foreign involvement in Sudan.
Go deeper
- What evidence links Colombian mercenaries to the RSF beyond witness accounts?
- How might international responses alter the humanitarian situation in Khartoum?
- What steps are being proposed to protect remaining child soldiers?
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Sudan - Country in North Africa
Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
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United Arab Emirates - Country in the Middle East
The United Arab Emirates, sometimes simply called the Emirates, is a sovereign state in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west, as well as sharing m
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Human Rights Watch - Non-governmental organization
Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization, headquartered in New York City, that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.
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Darfur
Darfur is a region of western Sudan. Dār is an Arabic word meaning "home [of]" – the region was named Dardaju while ruled by the Daju, who migrated from Meroë c. 350 AD, and it was renamed Dartunjur when the Tunjur ruled the area.
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Colombia - Country in South America
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a transcontinental country largely in the north of South America, with territories in North America.
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United Nations - Intergovernmental organization
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Khartoum - Capital of Sudan
Khartoum or Khartum is the capital of Sudan. With a population of 5,274,321, its metropolitan area is the largest in Sudan, the sixth-largest in Africa, the second-largest in North Africa, and the fourth-largest in the Arab world.
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British Broadcasting Corporation - Broadcasting company
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Argentina - Country in South America
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Omdurman - City in Sudan
Omdurman (Arabic: أُمّ دُرمان, romanized: Umm Durmān) is a major city in Sudan. It is the second most populous city in the country, located in the State of Khartoum. Omdurman lies on the west bank of the River Nile, opposite and northwest of the capital city of Khartoum. The city acts as an important road hub, with the Nile boosting transportation even further.
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Omar al-Bashir - Former President of Sudan
Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir is a Sudanese politician who served as the seventh President of Sudan from 1989 to 2019, when he was deposed in a coup d'état. He was subsequently incarcerated, tried and convicted on multiple corruption charges.