Colombia apologizes for involvement of some of its citizens as mercenaries within RSF militia in Sudan
The Colombian Government has formally apologized for the involvement of Colombian nationals serving as mercenaries within the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in Sudan, a situation that has caused widespread concern.
On December 1, during a meeting with Sudan’s Ambassador to Egypt, General Emad-Eddin Mustafa Adawi, Colombian Ambassador to Cairo, Ms. Anne Melania de Gaviria, expressed her country’s deep shock and dismay upon learning of the participation of its citizens in the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Ambassador de Gaviria described their actions as irresponsible, and stressed that the Colombian Government does not condone such conduct and has no affiliation with the forces engaged in the war. She reiterated Colombia’s commitment to respecting Sudan’s sovereignty and reaffirmed the country’s policy of non-interference in Sudan’s internal affairs, underscoring Colombia’s desire to maintain positive diplomatic relations with Sudan.
In response, Ambassador Adawi acknowledged the Colombian government’s apology and expressed appreciation for the statement. He emphasized that the participation of foreign nationals, including Colombians, in the Sudanese conflict highlights the broader issue of foreign interference in Sudan’s internal affairs. The Sudanese diplomat noted that this troubling incident is not only a violation of Sudan’s sovereignty but also a challenge to international efforts to bring peace to the region. He stated that both the Sudanese and Colombian governments must work together to prevent any further involvement of Colombian citizens as mercenaries with the RSF or any other armed groups engaged in the conflict.
He revealed further that the Sudanese government would be preparing and providing a detailed file to the Colombian authorities. This report would outline the extent of Colombian mercenaries’ participation in the Sudanese conflict, specifically in the aggressive actions carried out by the RSF against Sudanese state institutions. The Sudanese government intends to use this report as a means of ensuring accountability for those involved in these unlawful activities and to push for diplomatic measures that prevent the future exploitation of foreign nationals in the Sudanese war. The incident has sparked calls for closer cooperation between Sudan and Colombia to address the root causes of foreign mercenary involvement and to ensure that such actions do not undermine the sovereignty or peace efforts of Sudan.
