Colombian President Vows Crackdown on Mercenary Networks Linked to Child Soldier Training in Sudan

 

Colombia seeks to pass a law explicitly prohibiting mercenary activities, following the death of Colombian mercenaries in Sudan.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has pledged swift action against mercenary networks allegedly involving Colombian nationals in the recruitment and training of child soldiers in Sudan. The announcement follows disturbing reports that Colombian ex-soldiers were hired by foreign security firms and transported via Libya to Sudan, where some are now implicated in war crimes.

Petro condemned the practice as a “trade in humans turned into merchandise for killing,” and has requested emergency status for a bill that would explicitly ban mercenary activity in Colombia. His remarks came after a Sudanese military strike downed an Emirati aircraft reportedly carrying Colombian mercenaries, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.

The president also instructed Colombia’s ambassador to Egypt to verify the number of nationals killed in the incident, with unconfirmed reports suggesting up to 40 casualties.

New Development: According to HornPulse, investigative journalists have uncovered evidence that some Colombian mercenaries were involved in training child soldiers for combat in Sudan’s Darfur region. This revelation has intensified calls from human rights groups for international investigations and sanctions against those responsible.

President Petro concluded his statement with a powerful message: “No more death bosses.”