A United Nations-backed fact-finding mission has determined that transnational networks operating across multiple countries are substantially supporting Sudan’s ongoing conflict through the recruitment and deployment of foreign fighters, transfer of weapons systems, and provision of military technology to both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces.
The investigation documented the involvement of approximately 2,000 former Colombian military contractors who directly operated combat drones, artillery, and advanced weapons systems alongside RSF units in the Darfur and Kordofan regions. Additional foreign fighters from South Sudan, Chad, and Ethiopia were identified participating in frontline combat roles. Private entities, intermediaries, and recruitment operations based in countries including Colombia and the United Arab Emirates have facilitated the movement of personnel, training materials, weapons, and logistical support through transit zones in Chad, Libya, and Somalia to reach the RSF.
Both warring parties have received enhanced drone capabilities from external supporters, enabling them to conduct strikes far beyond active front lines. Documented drone attacks attributed to the RSF killed 114 people in Kalogi, South Kordofan, while army strikes in Ad-Da’ein, East Darfur, killed at least 70 people and destroyed a major hospital. Recent RSF drone operations in el-Obeid, North Kordofan, may constitute war crimes under international law, according to the mission’s assessment.
The mission chair and investigators emphasized that civilian populations bear the heaviest burden from this external military support. Since the conflict began in April 2023, the war has displaced more than 12 million people, created a severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions, and prompted at least three million Sudanese to seek refuge in neighboring countries. The UN mission has called on states to dismantle illicit supply networks and enforce existing arms embargoes on Sudan.
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