Last week Sudan accused the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of financing and deploying Colombian mercenaries to participate in the conflict, by formally lodging a complaint with the UN Security Council.

Those recruited to join the Desert Wolves were hired through a Colombian private security firm that was contracted by an Emirati company, Global Security Services Group. The battalion’s operations were led by a retired Colombian army general based in Dubai.

Many of the recruits were misled about the nature of their work. Initially, they were contracted to guard Emirati oil facilities or purportedly to train troops. However, they were ultimately deceived into fighting on the frontlines of Sudan’s war.

The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre invited Global Security Services Group to respond, but they did not.