Allegations of United Arab Emirates Facilitation of Colombian Mercenary Deployment to Sudan

關於阿拉伯聯合大公國協助哥倫比亞僱傭兵部署至蘇丹之指控

May 26, 2026, 14:37
AfricaInternational

Introduction

Human Rights Watch and other monitoring bodies have reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provided logistical and training support to Colombian private military contractors deployed to assist the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.

人權觀察及其他監測機構報告指出，阿拉伯聯合大公國（UAE）向部署至蘇丹以協助快速支援部队（RSF）的哥倫比亞私人軍事承包商提供後勤與訓練支援。

Main Body

The conflict in Sudan, which commenced on April 15, 2023, originated from a power struggle between the Sudanese regular army and the RSF. This paramilitary entity, evolved from the Janjaweed militias, has been accused of genocide and crimes against humanity. Reports from Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Conflict Insights Group indicate a systematic pipeline wherein Colombian nationals were recruited via a network of Emirati and Colombian firms, specifically the Abu Dhabi-based Global Security Services Group. These contractors, primarily former military personnel, were allegedly recruited under the guise of drone operations in Africa.

蘇丹衝突始於2023年4月15日，源於蘇丹正規軍與RSF之間的權力鬥爭。該準軍事組織由「簡賈維德」民兵演變而來，被指控犯下種族滅絕與反人類罪。人權觀察（HRW）與衝突洞察小組的報告指出，存在一個系統化的管道，哥倫比亞國民透過阿聯酋與哥倫比亞公司的網絡被招募，特別是總部位於阿布達比的全球安全服務集團（Global Security Services Group）。這些承包商主要為前軍事人員，據稱是在非洲進行無人機操作的掩護下被招募的。

Logistical evidence suggests that UAE military facilities in Ghiyathi, Al Wathba, and the Al Dhafra region served as training and transit hubs. Testimonies from mercenaries indicate that transit through Abu Dhabi occurred without standard passport documentation, facilitating covert deployment. Once in Sudan, these contractors provided tactical expertise in artillery, armored vehicle operation, and drone piloting. Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo has acknowledged the utilization of Colombian mercenaries for drone operations. Furthermore, HRW reports the discovery of UAE-purchased munitions, manufactured in Serbia and Bulgaria, following the capture of mercenaries within Sudan.

後勤證據顯示，阿聯酋位於 Ghiyathi、Al Wathba 及 Al Dhafra 地區的軍事設施被用作訓練與中轉中心。僱傭兵的證詞顯示，經阿布達比中轉時無需標準護照文件，從而便利了秘密部署。進入蘇丹後，這些承包商在砲兵、裝甲車操作及無人機駕駛方面提供了戰術專業知識。達加洛將軍（Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo）已承認利用哥倫比亞僱傭兵進行無人機操作。此外，人權觀察報告稱，在蘇丹逮捕僱傭兵後，發現了由阿聯酋購買、由塞爾維亞與保加利亞製造的彈藥。

Stakeholder positioning remains polarized. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a categorical denial, asserting that its territory is not utilized for the recruitment or transit of foreign fighters. The administration maintains that any entity providing operational support to non-state actors does so without state authorization and in violation of Emirati law. Conversely, the United States has implemented sanctions against Colombian recruitment networks, while HRW advocates for the European Union and other international bodies to suspend military cooperation with the UAE until these allegations are resolved.

利益相關者的立場依然兩極分化。阿聯酋外交部發布了斷然否認的聲明，堅稱其領土未被用於招募或中轉外國戰鬥員。該政府維持立場，認為任何向非國家行為者提供運作支援的實體，均未獲國家授權且違反阿聯酋法律。相反地，美國已對哥倫比亞招募網絡實施制裁，而人權觀察則呼籲歐盟及其他國際組織在這些指控得到解決前，應暫停與阿聯酋的軍事合作。

Conclusion

The situation remains characterized by a significant discrepancy between the findings of international human rights organizations and the official denials issued by the UAE government.

目前的情況依然呈現出國際人權組織的調查結果與阿拉伯聯合大公國政府發布的官方否認聲明之間存在顯著分歧。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of Diplomatic Evasion & Deniability

To bridge the gap from B2 to C2, a student must move beyond what is being said to how language is weaponized to maintain plausible deniability. This text is a masterclass in Nominalization and Agentless Passives, used to create a clinical distance between the actor and the action.

⚡ The 'Clinical Distance' Phenomenon

Observe the phrase: "The situation remains characterized by a significant discrepancy..."

At B2, a student might write: "The UAE says one thing, but HRW says another." At C2, we employ nominalization (turning verbs/adjectives into nouns) to shift the focus from people to concepts.

  • Discrepancy replaces the act of disagreeing.
  • Characterized by replaces the act of being.

This transforms a personal conflict into an abstract state of affairs, which is the hallmark of high-level geopolitical discourse.

🧩 Linguistic Precision: The 'Guise' and the 'Pipeline'

C2 mastery requires the use of precise metaphors that carry specific legal or sociological weight:

  1. "Under the guise of...": This is more sophisticated than "pretending to be." It suggests a calculated facade, often used in legal indictments to denote fraudulent intent.
  2. "Systematic pipeline": This isn't just a sequence; it's an industrial metaphor. It implies a structured, repeatable, and institutionalized process of movement, elevating the description from a mere 'route' to a 'mechanism'.

⚖️ The Rhetoric of Categorical Denial

Analyze the UAE's response: "...asserting that its territory is not utilized for the recruitment..."

Note the use of Passive Voice (is not utilized). By removing the subject (who is doing the utilizing?), the statement avoids admitting that anyone—even a rogue actor—is using the land. It describes the state of the territory rather than the actions of the people. This is "Strategic Ambiguity," a key C2 stylistic device where the writer avoids direct accountability through grammatical structure.

Vocabulary Learning

guise (n.)
A false or deceptive appearance that conceals the true nature of something.
Example:He posed in a **guise** of innocence, masking his true intentions.
categorical (adj.)
Absolute; definitive; not subject to doubt or exception.
Example:The spokesperson offered a **categorical** denial of all allegations.
polarized (adj.)
Divided into two sharply contrasting groups or viewpoints.
Example:The debate has become increasingly **polarized**, with each side refusing to compromise.
non‑state actor (n.)
An organization or individual that participates in political or security matters but is not part of a national government.
Example:The **non‑state actor** wielded significant influence over the region's security.
covert (adj.)
Secret, hidden, or concealed from view.
Example:They carried out a **covert** operation behind enemy lines.
logistical (adj.)
Relating to the planning, coordination, and execution of complex operations involving resources.
Example:The **logistical** support for the expedition was meticulously planned.
tactical (adj.)
Pertaining to the planning and execution of maneuvers or strategies, especially in military contexts.
Example:Commanders issued **tactical** orders to adapt to the changing battlefield.
artillery (n.)
Large‑calibre guns or missile systems used in warfare.
Example:The army's **artillery** units bombarded the enemy positions.
armored (adj.)
Protected with armor; heavily fortified or reinforced.
Example:The convoy moved in an **armored** vehicle to protect against ambushes.
utilization (n.)
The act of using or employing something for a purpose.
Example:The **utilization** of drones increased dramatically during the campaign.
munitions (n.)
Weapons, ammunition, and explosive devices.
Example:The warehouse stored a variety of **munitions** for future deployment.
pipeline (n.)
A sequence of connected stages through which something passes.
Example:The recruitment **pipeline** was monitored by international observers.
systematic (adj.)
Carried out in an organized, methodical manner.
Example:They conducted a **systematic** review of all reports.
stakeholder (n.)
A person or group that has an interest or stake in an outcome.
Example:All **stakeholders** were invited to discuss the policy changes.
discrepancy (n.)
A lack of agreement or inconsistency between two or more things.
Example:A **discrepancy** between the two reports raised questions.
sanction (n.)
A punitive measure imposed to enforce compliance with a law or rule.
Example:The country faced severe **sanctions** for violating international norms.
advocate (v.)
To support, promote, or argue in favor of a cause or idea.
Example:She **advocates** for equal rights for all citizens.
suspend (v.)
To temporarily stop or halt the operation or existence of something.
Example:The council decided to **suspend** the project until further review.
denial (n.)
An assertion that something is not true or does not exist.
Example:His **denial** of the allegations was met with skepticism.
authorization (n.)
Official permission or approval to undertake an action.
Example:The act required **authorization** from the governing body.
violation (n.)
An infringement or breach of a law, rule, or agreement.
Example:The **violation** of the treaty was condemned by the international community.
capture (n.)
The act of taking someone or something into custody.
Example:The **capture** of the suspect was celebrated by the authorities.
manufactured (adj.)
Produced in a factory or by industrial processes.
Example:They purchased **manufactured** goods from overseas suppliers.
territory (n.)
A defined geographic area under the jurisdiction of a state or authority.
Example:The **territory** was contested between the two factions.
foreign fighter (n.)
A combatant who is not a citizen of the country where the conflict occurs.
Example:The **foreign fighter** joined the insurgent group after leaving his homeland.
operational (adj.)
Relating to the execution or functioning of tasks or systems.
Example:The **operational** plans were reviewed before deployment.
Practice C2 words in a crossword→
Allegations of United Arab Emirates Facilitation of Colombian Mercenary Deployment to Sudan (C2) - A2Z News | A2Z News