The International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD) welcomes the findings of the new investigation published by Human Rights Watch documenting alleged links between the United Arab Emirates and the deployment of Colombian private military contractors supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, Darfur.
The report, titled From Bogotá to El Fasher, presents extensive evidence concerning the recruitment, transit, and deployment of foreign fighters alongside the RSF, as well as the use of military infrastructure and networks allegedly connected to Emirati authorities.
IFRD is particularly alarmed by documented testimonies describing atrocities committed during the fall of El Fasher, including killings of civilians, abuses against persons with disabilities, and the presence of foreign fighters during attacks on fleeing populations.
The findings further reinforce longstanding concerns regarding external military support fueling atrocities in Sudan and contributing to grave violations of international humanitarian law. The report details allegations of:
recruitment and deployment of Colombian PMCs through UAE-linked entities,
transit operations through Libya, Somalia, Chad, and UAE military facilities,
the possible diversion of military equipment originating from UAE stockpiles to RSF forces in Darfur,
and the training and use of child soldiers.
IFRD reiterates that all states and entities implicated in providing material, logistical, or operational support to armed groups responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity must be subject to independent international investigation and accountability mechanisms.
IFRD supports the calls made by Human Rights Watch for:
immediate cessation of all military assistance to the RSF,
investigations into companies and individuals allegedly facilitating these operations,
targeted sanctions against actors violating the UN arms embargo,
and stronger international action to protect civilians in Sudan.
IFRD also urges the European Union, the United Nations Security Council, the African Union, and partner governments to move beyond vague references to “external backers” and publicly address the growing body of evidence regarding foreign support networks in UAE sustaining atrocities in Darfur.
The people of Sudan, particularly civilians trapped in Darfur, deserve protection, justice, and accountability. Silence and impunity only prolong the cycle of violence.
