Report by: Mahjoub Abuel-Gasim
In a development reflecting the growing complexity of the war in Sudan—and its evolution from an internal conflict into a multi-layered battleground—a new intelligence report by the Mashad Organization Observatory reveals an unprecedented surge in the involvement of foreign fighters. At the forefront are Ukrainian mercenaries, now emerging as a qualitatively influential force shaping the course of the war.
Prominent Ukrainian Presence: From Combat to Technology
According to the report, more than 1,000 Ukrainian fighters are operating within the ranks of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, signaling a dangerous shift in the nature of the conflict. Their role extends beyond conventional combat to include the operation and development of drone technologies, which have become a decisive weapon in targeting infrastructure and vital facilities.
Observers note that this technological shift has introduced a new dimension to military operations, moving from direct confrontation to precision remote warfare. This transformation has intensified the scale of destruction affecting civilian and service facilities, significantly increasing the human and economic cost of the war.
A Multinational Mercenary Network
The report goes beyond the Ukrainian role, mapping a broad network of mercenaries from more than 11 countries—highlighting the globalization of the conflict.
It estimates the presence of approximately 5,000 Colombian fighters with high-level combat experience, primarily engaged in training and field supervision. In addition, 104 Syrian operatives are reportedly handling logistical roles, particularly coordinating the flow of fighters.
The report further identifies around 25,000 fighters from various African countries, forming the largest numerical bloc on the battlefield. This reinforces the assessment that the war is no longer purely Sudanese but has become an open arena for intersecting regional and international interests.
Severe Humanitarian and Legal Implications
The heavy presence of mercenaries—especially those with advanced combat and technical expertise—has contributed to escalating violations against civilians. The report indicates that attacks on civilian infrastructure are increasingly conducted under the supervision of foreign elements that disregard international law and Sudan’s societal context.
The Observatory characterizes this as a flagrant breach of international humanitarian law, placing Sudan within a category of conflicts burdened with complex political and security repercussions that could extend across the wider region.
Calls for International Action
In light of these findings, the Mashad Organization urges the international community—including the United Nations and the African Union—to take urgent measures. These include imposing sanctions on entities facilitating the flow of mercenaries, tightening oversight of natural resources used to finance the war, and pursuing those implicated in war crimes through international justice mechanisms.
The report asserts that halting external interference is a prerequisite for any viable political solution, warning that continued mercenary inflows could turn Sudan into a persistent hub of instability and extremism.
It also notes the presence of 18 Russian nationals, describing their number as marginal compared to other foreign fighters. Some observers believe they may be linked to the Wagner Group, although political indicators suggest official Russian support for Sudan’s government, implying that any such presence—if confirmed—would likely be indirect or conducted through private networks.
A Direct Threat to National Security
A strategic and security expert, Major General (Police-Rtd), Dr. Hassan Al-Tijani, stated that the report underscores a real and long-anticipated threat.
He affirmed that foreign presence in Sudan predates the outbreak of war and had been steadily increasing, posing a direct risk to national security. He added that the country was already on a trajectory toward a security breakdown in which this foreign presence played a pivotal role.
Al-Tijani pointed to severe security fragility, citing weak coordination among relevant authorities and the absence of accurate data on foreign inflows—factors that have allowed the phenomenon to escalate into a complex threat. He stressed that the current foreign presence is neither random nor traditional but rather organized and structured to engineer “managed chaos.”
In his assessment, the war has effectively ceased to be internal and now carries clear external dimensions, involving actors from more than eleven countries, including dangerous criminal elements deployed in exchange for financial gains extracted from Sudan’s resources.
Al-Tijani cautioned that the figures cited in the report may no longer reflect current realities, as they date back to the early stages of the conflict. While the Sudanese Armed Forces have reportedly neutralized significant numbers of these fighters, the threat persists—particularly during lulls in combat that may be exploited to reintroduce mercenaries.
The strategic and security expert warned that leniency toward certain RSF leaders could incentivize external actors to deploy more foreign fighters. He added that mercenary flows continue from neighboring countries such as Ethiopia, Libya, Chad, and Uganda, in addition to elements from Syria.
He identified the most dangerous groups as technically trained personnel capable of operating advanced weaponry, noting that Colombians and Ukrainians have been among the most prominent nationalities since the outset of the war. He also highlighted the role of some fighters from South Sudan, particularly in sniper operations, leveraging their familiarity with Sudan’s terrain and society.
Regarding the reported Russian presence, he described it as extremely limited, suggesting possible links to the Wagner Group prior to the death of its leader, while ruling out direct official coordination in light of Russia’s political support for Sudan’s authorities.
Urgent Measures Required
Al-Tijani called on the government to implement decisive and immediate measures, including the temporary closure of borders with neighboring countries to regulate foreign presence, stricter visa controls, and the enforcement of arrest and deportation policies.
He also urged the acceleration of military operations in Kordofan and Darfur.
He concluded that addressing the issue of foreign fighters must become a top national priority, stressing that dismantling its sources is essential if there is genuine political will to end the crisis and restore stability in Sudan.
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