Two former child soldiers in Sudan have claimed that Colombian mercenaries training the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) compelled them and other minors to engage in combat operations in Khartoum. Their testimonies were given to the Associated Press under the condition of confidentiality, revealing the dire experiences faced by children caught in the ongoing conflict, which has entered its fourth year. Six ex-child soldiers, who report having been kidnapped and coerced into fighting alongside the RSF, recounted their harrowing experiences.

According to the boys, there is a broader involvement of Colombian mercenaries with the RSF, which has been subject to scrutiny by human rights organisations and Sudan’s military. Allegations that the United Arab Emirates is backing the RSF have surfaced, but the UAE has categorically denied any military support or connections to mercenary activity in the region.

One of the 17-year-old boys described being chained to an anti-aircraft gun for approximately 18 months. He recounted a traumatic experience of being captured while selling cigarettes in Omdurman. At the time, he was just 15 years old and had no prior experience with firearms. Scars on his body, attributed to shrapnel, serve as reminders of his ordeal.

Conditions in RSF Camps

The boy further detailed his captivity at a facility in Omdurman known as Central Reserve Camp, where he and other children were held with their hands tied at all times, even during meals. Reports of inhumane treatment included lack of bathing facilities and forced confinement in deplorable conditions. Foreign mercenaries, allegedly identified as Colombians, were present, teaching the children to operate weaponry while ensuring they were restrained to prevent escape.

Another former recruit, also aged 15 when taken to an RSF camp named al-Konan, recounted being trained in heavy artillery and drones. He mentioned experiencing brutal physical violence, including electric baton beatings for refusing orders to fire. Tragically, he witnessed the killing of a friend who attempted to flee and described how he carried the deceased’s body, a memory that continues to haunt him.

Both boys articulated their stories within a rehabilitation centre on the outskirts of Khartoum, where over 200 former child soldiers are undergoing treatment and recovery. They have been reintegrated into society after being rescued from frontline conditions. The Associated Press reported that a military media officer was present during their interviews but did not influence the selection of the interviewees, ensuring editorial independence.

International Involvement and Child Soldier Recruitment

The UN has highlighted the recruitment of thousands of children during the war, detailing the involvement of various factions, including the RSF and government-aligned militias. Reports indicate that recruitment persists despite the issuance of a recent law aimed at preventing Colombians from engaging in foreign conflicts. Human Rights Watch has documented the presence of Colombian mercenaries in Sudan, particularly in Darfur, where their training activities align with ongoing military campaigns.

Efforts to rehabilitate former child soldiers are ongoing, with organisations like UNICEF striving to expedite their reintegration into society. The impact of trauma on these children is significant, and psychologists are working to encourage family support rather than abandonment.

Ultimately, the young boys expressed a desire to return to their families and rebuild their lives in Sudan, having endured harrowing experiences during a conflict that continues to threaten the youth of the nation. Their testimonies exemplify the urgent need for international awareness and intervention concerning the plight of child combatants in conflict zones.

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