In a recent development, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has responded to alarming reports regarding the involvement of Colombian mercenaries in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This situation has raised serious concerns about the recruitment and deployment of these individuals within the ranks of the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. Petro has emphasized the urgent need for legislation to prohibit the enlistment of mercenaries, framing it as a form of human trafficking that exploits individuals for violence. As the situation unfolds, it highlights broader implications for both Colombia and the region.
Call for Legislative Action
On August 7, 2025, President Petro declared that he had urgently requested the introduction of a bill aimed at banning the recruitment of mercenaries. His statement follows reports of Colombian nationals participating in the armed conflict in Sudan, specifically fighting alongside the Rapid Support Forces. In a tweet, Petro outlined the gravity of the situation, stating, “Recruitment of mercenaries is a form of human trafficking, turning individuals into tools of murder.”
Reiterating National Security Concerns
Petro did not hold back in condemning those involved in the recruitment process, labeling them “killers” and “ghosts of death.” He articulated his concern that the thirst for conflict within Colombia had driven some to seek violent outlets abroad, remarking, “They wanted war so badly within Colombia that, with the diminishing intensity of conflict at home, they sought it elsewhere where no one has harmed us.” In response to the tragic reports of casualties among Colombian mercenaries, Petro has instructed his ambassador in Egypt to assess the number of Colombians who have reportedly lost their lives, with preliminary discussions suggesting around 40 individuals. “We will see if we can recover their bodies,” he added.
Official Accusations from Sudan
The Sudanese government recently revealed evidence of Colombian mercenaries participating in the conflict, describing this involvement as a significant threat to peace and security in both the region and the African continent. The Sudanese military noted that since the outbreak of the war, the Rapid Support Forces have increasingly relied on mercenaries for specialized roles, such as artillery and drone operations, as well as general combat. Furthermore, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry claims to possess documentation verifying the involvement of Colombian mercenaries, among many others from neighboring nations, funded by external entities. This information has been presented to the United Nations Security Council by Sudan’s permanent mission.
International and Local Reactions
A recent investigation by the website “La Silla Vacía” disclosed that more than 300 former Colombian military personnel have been recruited in a venture known as “Desert Wolves.” This operation is reportedly led by a retired Colombian colonel overseeing Colombian mercenaries in Sudan, some of whom are involved in training camps located south of Nyala, South Darfur. These camps reportedly include thousands of Sudanese trainees, some as young as 10 years old. The revelation has generated widespread outrage on Sudanese social media platforms following the military’s announcement of the presence of foreign mercenaries, including Colombians, participating in recent battles in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.
As the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces continues, the humanitarian crisis has escalated, with estimates citing over 20,000 fatalities and approximately 15 million displaced individuals, according to local authorities and the United Nations. An American university study even estimates the death toll to be around 130,000. The involvement of Colombian mercenaries in this complex situation underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to prevent further deterioration of both national and regional security.