The Colombian government has formally apologized for the involvement of Colombian nationals who served as mercenaries within the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan. This development has sparked widespread concern due to its implications for Sudan’s sovereignty and peace efforts.
During a meeting on December 1 with Sudan’s Ambassador to Egypt, General Emad-Eddin Mustafa Adawi, Colombian Ambassador to Cairo, Anne Melania de Gaviria, conveyed her government’s shock and dismay over the situation. She described the actions of the Colombian individuals involved as irresponsible and emphasized that the Colombian government does not condone or support such conduct. Ambassador de Gaviria stressed that her country has no affiliation with any armed groups in Sudan and remains committed to respecting Sudan’s sovereignty and maintaining a policy of non-interference in its internal affairs. She reaffirmed Colombia’s intention to sustain positive diplomatic relations with Sudan.
Ambassador Adawi, while acknowledging the apology, expressed his gratitude for Colombia’s clear position on the matter. He underlined that the involvement of foreign nationals, including Colombians, in Sudan’s conflict demonstrates a broader issue of external interference that undermines Sudan’s sovereignty and international peace initiatives. He called for collaborative efforts between Sudan and Colombia to prevent further participation of Colombians as mercenaries with the RSF or any other armed factions.
To address the issue comprehensively, Ambassador Adawi revealed that the Sudanese government is compiling a detailed report for Colombian authorities. This document will outline the extent of Colombian mercenaries’ activities within the RSF, particularly their involvement in attacks targeting Sudanese state institutions. The report aims to ensure accountability for those implicated and to promote diplomatic measures that deter the exploitation of foreign nationals in Sudan’s conflict.
The incident has heightened calls for stronger cooperation between Sudan and Colombia. Both nations have emphasized the importance of tackling the root causes of mercenary involvement and implementing measures to prevent such activities from undermining Sudan’s sovereignty or derailing efforts to establish peace in the region.
This collaborative approach marks a commitment to holding accountable those responsible for unlawful actions while fostering a partnership aimed at addressing the broader challenges posed by foreign interference in internal conflicts.