Somali Youth Reportedly Recruited into Janjaweed Militias and Transferred to Sudan via Bosaso

Somali security expert Abdulaziz Farah Said has cited accounts from residents of Bosaso, revealing that several young men who were recently reported missing ,previously thought to have migrated irregularly ,have contacted their families to disclose a different reality. According to these reports, the youths were transported from Bosaso Airport to Sudan.

The individuals reportedly stated that they were promised monthly wages of $500 and were subsequently recruited into the Rapid Support Militia (Janjaweed), which is known for its crimes against humanity in Sudan’s conflict. One of the youths was quoted as saying, “We went because we found a job.”

This case bears resemblance to a 2020 incident involving Abu Dhabi, in which Sudanese youth were recruited under false pretenses for employment and later transferred to Libya in what became known as the Black Shield case.

Sources claim that Emirati-operated bases in Bosaso, located in the semi-autonomous Puntland region, are being used as logistical hubs to facilitate the movement of mercenaries and military equipment to Sudan. Analysts suggest that these facilities may also be the launch points for drone attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Port Sudan and Kassala.

These developments have sparked renewed concerns over the role of the United Arab Emirates in sustaining external conflicts through covert military operations.