Bellingcat’s investigation reveals that over a hundred Colombian ex-soldiers were recruited to fight in Sudan’s civil war, misled about their destination and transported through Libya. Video evidence raises questions about the fate of Christian Lombana Moncayo, whose identity documents were found after a recent ambush. The Colombian government is reportedly seeking to repatriate those involved in this dangerous scheme.
A recent investigation by Bellingcat has shed light on the disturbing saga of Colombian mercenaries allegedly being recruited to participate in Sudan’s brutal civil war, with transit through Libya. A geolocated video depicting rocky landscapes in the Libyan desert may hold significant clues relative to the fate of Christian Lombana Moncayo, a Colombian individual reportedly caught up in this dangerous journey. Reports indicate that over one hundred Colombian ex-soldiers were lured to join Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces under false pretenses, with the country’s president urging the Foreign Ministry to facilitate their return. The investigation details the navigational journey involving clandestine recruitment, subterfuge through transportation routes, and dangerous combat zones.
Colombia’s turbulent socio-political landscape has paved the way for widespread recruitment of former soldiers into mercenary activities abroad. Reports suggest that many are misled into believing they are embarking on noble missions, only to find themselves in perilous environments, such as the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The civil unrest in Sudan, stemming from a struggle for power between rival military factions, has created a vacuum for the recruitment of foreign mercenaries, including Colombians, as they are sought after due to their military training.
The plight of Colombian former soldiers caught in the conflict in Sudan highlights a worrying trend of mercenary recruitment and the associated dangers. The investigation reveals a network of deception utilized to facilitate transport to conflict zones, leaving families distraught and uncertain about the fate of their loved ones. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains vital for Colombian authorities and international organizations to expedite efforts to reintegrate those misled into this harrowing situation back into society.
Original Source: www.bellingcat.com
