Colombian plane crash: allegations without evidence

International news outlets are reporting differing accounts regarding recent claims made by Sudanese state media. According to the official broadcast, a UAE aircraft carrying Colombian nationals was brought down while attempting to land at Nyala Airport in Darfur. Initial reports included references to “dozens” of casualties, but these details have not been independently verified.

Some Sudanese media commentators have questioned the accuracy of the initial statements. International outlets referred to the claims as “allegations” and highlighted the absence of an official statement from Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

A report by the Sudanese news site Al-Rakoba, citing satellite imagery, flight-tracking information, and multiple independent sources, stated that no UAE aircraft was recorded entering Sudanese airspace during the reported timeframe. The same report noted no confirmed evidence of a crash or of Colombian nationals being present in Darfur at that time.

Several international agencies have since updated their coverage, noting that earlier information was “impossible to verify independently.” However, a France24 report dated 7 August 2025 cites an official UAE statement rejecting Sudan’s claims and clarifying that no Emirati aircraft carrying mercenaries was destroyed in Darfur (France24 link). This statement from a credible international news source provides direct evidence contradicting the Sudanese allegations.

The issue gained further attention when the Colombian President called for an inquiry into the reports involving Colombian citizens. Analysts note that the matter has introduced additional complexity to Sudan’s diplomatic relations.

For its part, the UAE has reiterated its commitment to neutrality in Sudan’s conflict and has renewed its call for impartial, international investigations into such incidents. The timing of these developments coincides with preparations for a Washington meeting of the “Quad” (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United States), aimed at securing a ceasefire, improving humanitarian access, and advancing a political process toward civilian governance in Sudan.