In Sudan's ongoing civil war, child soldiers have recounted harrowing experiences, including the presence of Colombian mercenaries fighting alongside government forces. Verified reports from human rights organizations and international media detail the recruitment and use of children in the conflict, which has ravaged the country since April 2023.
According to a report by Human Rights Watch, children as young as 12 have been forcibly recruited by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The children describe being subjected to brutal training, used as frontline fighters, and forced to participate in executions. One former child soldier, speaking to the BBC, said, 'They gave us guns and told us to shoot anyone who tried to run.'
Colombian mercenaries have been documented in Sudan, with multiple sources confirming their presence. A report by the UN Panel of Experts on Sudan, published in January 2026, stated that 'foreign fighters, including Colombian nationals, have been observed supporting the SAF in the conflict.' The mercenaries are reportedly hired for their expertise in urban warfare, and their involvement has raised international concerns about the escalation of the conflict.
The use of child soldiers and foreign mercenaries constitutes serious violations of international law, including the Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened investigations into war crimes committed in Sudan, and the UN has called for accountability. However, as of July 2026, no major arrests have been made, and the conflict continues to displace millions.
The situation remains dire, with over 10 million people displaced and widespread famine reported. International humanitarian organizations are struggling to provide aid due to ongoing violence and access restrictions. The international community has urged both parties to cease hostilities and engage in peace talks, but a resolution remains elusive.
