Published on: 2026-09-03
Source: United Nations
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September 3, 2026 Peace and Security
The recruitment of foreign mercenaries and support from external forces are fueling the brutal conflict in Sudan. This is stated in a report published on Thursday by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Sudan. Experts called for holding the perpetrators accountable amid ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
According to the report, external support strengthens the military capabilities of the opposing sides and allows them to carry out increasingly complex operations, leading to catastrophic consequences for the civilian population.
Experts have documented the involvement of transnational structures operating in several countries. They recruit, train, and direct foreign personnel to support Rapid Response Forces, as well as facilitate the transfer of weapons, ammunition, and military technologies.
According to the report, there is also sufficient reason to believe that the Sudanese Armed Forces used drones supplied from abroad during operations that resulted in harm to civilians and civilian objects.
The peaceful population is under attack
The mission pointed to the “strict international legal obligations” of states involved in these supply chains. They must investigate and suppress the activities of illegal mercenary and logistics networks operating on their territory, prevent violations, and ensure compliance with the UN arms embargo.
“The consequences of this external support are felt most acutely by the civilian population,” said Mohamed Chande Othman, the chair of the mission.
“This external aid has not brought greater protection to the citizens. On the contrary, people are paying a high price: residential buildings, hospitals, schools, markets, and shelters are being hit,” he added.
Experts stated that up to 2,000 former Colombian military contractors were directly involved in operating strike UAVs, artillery, and advanced weapons in collaboration with Rapid Response Forces units in Darfur and Kordofan.
The report states that private entities and recruiters from countries such as Colombia and the United Arab Emirates may have used transit points in Chad, southeastern Libya, and the Somali city of Bosaso to transfer personnel, weapons supplies, and logistical support to the Rapid Response Forces.
According to mission expert Mona Rishmavi, a “transnational network spanning several countries” was identified that supported the Forces.
“This support fueled the Rapid Response Forces’ operations in the Zamzam camp and later during the capture of El Fasher. In these areas, the mission recorded gross human rights violations, breaches of international humanitarian law, and international crimes, including acts with signs of genocide,” she noted.
The document also emphasizes that foreign suppliers have significantly expanded the capabilities of UAVs for both the Rapid Response Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces, enabling them to strike far beyond the front line.
From warnings to actions
Experts have called on states to ensure compliance with the arms embargo on deliveries to Darfur, to end military supplies in cases where there is a serious risk of facilitating grave violations, to conduct investigations into individuals and legal entities involved in illicit support networks, and to tighten accountability measures.
They also called on the Security Council to extend the arms embargo to the entire territory of Sudan.
Osman reminded that the international community had repeatedly received warnings about violations in Sudan.
“These warnings must turn into concrete actions,” he stated.
“Protecting the civilian population in Sudan requires measures not only against those waging this war, but also against individuals, organizations, and networks that make its continuation possible,” Osman added.
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