Over 850 Foreign Fighters Backing RSF in Sudan Conflict, Military Sources Say

Sudan April 5, 2026 ; More than 850 foreign nationals are fighting alongside Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to military sources, underscoring the growing international dimension of the country’s ongoing conflict. The development follows warnings from the United Nations Security Council that Sudan is increasingly serving as a “logistical hub” for armed groups, raising concerns about wider regional destabilization across the Sahel and East Africa. Sources indicate that the foreign contingent includes both highly trained mercenaries-such as former soldiers and technical specialists-and irregular fighters from neighboring countries, many of whom are mobilized through traditional networks. Investigations into RSF operations point to a notable reliance on Latin American personnel for advanced military functions. Colombian contractors are reportedly involved in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), managing artillery systems, and overseeing aviation logistics at RSF-controlled airfields. Intercepted communications in Spanish and Portuguese have been cited as evidence of foreign involvement. A group of Colombian fighters, reportedly composed of former security personnel, has been identified within RSF ranks and is believed to have played a role in coordinating combat operations. Colombian authorities have previously confirmed that dozens of their nationals were killed in Sudan during 2025, including in airstrikes targeting strategic locations in Darfur. Foreign involvement in RSF activities is not new. Prior to the outbreak of war in April 2023, Russian specialists were reportedly embedded in RSF-linked operations, particularly in gold mining and technical infrastructure. Sources suggest that some foreign contractors may still be providing operational support in western Sudan. The movement of fighters and equipment is believed to rely on a complex regional network. Routes reportedly pass through cities such as Bosaso in Somalia and Benghazi in Libya, before crossing into Sudan through Chad or Libya. Satellite imagery from late 2025 and early 2026 has shown increased activity at remote airstrips in Darfur, with unidentified cargo flights suspected of transporting personnel and advanced weaponry. The International Organization for Migration has warned that Sudan’s porous borders, particularly in the west, are contributing to a cycle of instability. Armed groups from countries including Chad, Niger, and Mali are reportedly using RSF-controlled areas as staging grounds for recruitment and resupply before returning to their home regions. Analysts say the growing presence of foreign fighters risks further complicating the conflict and undermining efforts to reach a political resolution.

Faits rapportés

Sudan April 5, 2026 ; More than 850 foreign nationals are fighting alongside Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to military sources, underscoring the growing international dimension of the country’s ongoing conflict. The development follows warnings from the United Nations Security Council that Sudan is increasingly serving as a “logistical hub” for armed groups, raising concerns about wider regional destabilization across the Sahel and East Africa. Sources indicate that the foreign contingent includes both highly trained mercenaries-such as former soldiers and technical specialists-and irregular fighters from neighboring countries, many of whom are mobilized through traditional networks. Investigations into RSF operations point to a notable reliance on Latin American personnel for advanced military functions. Colombian contractors are reportedly involved in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), managing artillery systems, and overseeing aviation logistics at RSF-controlled airfields. Intercepted communications in Spanish and Portuguese have been cited as evidence of foreign involvement. A group of Colombian fighters, reportedly composed of former security personnel, has been identified within RSF ranks and is believed to have played a role in coordinating combat operations. Colombian authorities have previously confirmed that dozens of their nationals were killed in Sudan during 2025, including in airstrikes targeting strategic locations in Darfur. Foreign involvement in RSF activities is not new. Prior to the outbreak of war in April 2023, Russian specialists were reportedly embedded in RSF-linked operations, particularly in gold mining and technical infrastructure. Sources suggest that some foreign contractors may still be providing operational support in western Sudan. The movement of fighters and equipment is believed to rely on a complex regional network. Routes reportedly pass through cities such as Bosaso in Somalia and Benghazi in Libya, before crossing into Sudan through Chad or Libya. Satellite imagery from late 2025 and early 2026 has shown increased activity at remote airstrips in Darfur, with unidentified cargo flights suspected of transporting personnel and advanced weaponry. The International Organization for Migration has warned that Sudan’s porous borders, particularly in the west, are contributing to a cycle of instability. Armed groups from countries including Chad, Niger, and Mali are reportedly using RSF-controlled areas as staging grounds for recruitment and resupply before returning to their home regions. Analysts say the growing presence of foreign fighters risks further complicating the conflict and undermining efforts to reach a political resolution.