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Phone tracking shows how Colombian mercenaries backed Sudan's RSF - report
Researchers from the Conflict Insights Group tracked more than 50 mobile phones in Sudan linked to Colombian mercenaries between April 2025 and January 2026, using various data sources. The report argues UAE-based support for the RSF, including drone operations that contributed to the October 2025 capture of el-Fasher, and identifies a Desert Wolves brigade led by Col. Alvaro Quijano. The UAE denies involvement; the United States has sanctioned Colombian mercenaries and related entities for recruitment.
Why It Matters
If borne out, the findings indicate foreign backing for the RSF and could affect accountability and sanctions discussions related to the Darfur conflict.
Timeline
6 Events
Publication of the CIG report on UAE-Colombian mercenaries and the RSF
April 22, 2026
The Conflict Insights Group releases its report linking UAE-based support to the RSF through Colombian mercenaries, including drone pilots and instructors. The investigation traces phones from Colombia to Abu Dhabi's Ghayathi base, then to Sudan (Nyala and el-Fasher), with devices using Spanish-language settings and wifi networks named 'ANTIAEREO', 'AirDefense' and 'ATACADOR'. The Desert Wolves brigade, led by Col. Alvaro Quijano, is identified as key to drone operations; the group is reportedly paid by a UAE-based company with ties to senior Emirati officials. The report notes the RSF siege of el-Fasher and the mass atrocities described by ICC and UN investigators.
U.S. sanctions Colombian mercenaries again
April 2026
The United States sanctioned Colombian nationals and associated companies again for recruiting mercenaries to fight in Sudan, following the December 2025 actions.
CIG data period ends; tracking spans to January 2026
January 2026
The Conflict Insights Group states its data collection covers April 2025 to January 2026, including devices linked to RSF drone operations across Sudan.
U.S. sanctions Colombian mercenaries for recruitment (December 2025)
December 2025
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Colombian nationals and related companies for recruiting mercenaries to fight in Sudan.
RSF captures el-Fasher after 18-month siege
October 2025
El-Fasher falls to the RSF following an 18-month siege. The report notes mercenaries were present in Nyala and conducted drone operations contributing to the siege.
CIG begins mobile-phone tracking in Sudan
April 2025
The Conflict Insights Group begins tracking more than 50 mobile phones in Sudan believed to belong to Colombian mercenaries, using data from mobile devices, flight-tracking, satellite imagery, social media videos, news and academic sources; the monitoring covers RSF-held areas from which drones were fired.