Nairobi/London, Feb. 10, 2026 (Agencies-SUNA) – A Reuters investigative report published Tuesday documented the construction of a large training camp for fighters affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia inside Ethiopian territory, based on satellite imagery analysis, internal security memoranda, diplomatic correspondence, and multiple Ethiopian security and diplomatic sources.According to Reuters, the facility is designed to accommodate thousands of fighters and forms part of what sources described as a training and mobilization effort linked to the RSF’s operations in Sudan. The report says the development could open an eastern axis of pressure in the Sudan conflict, as RSF units have faced sustained military setbacks since the beginning of the year in South, North, and West Kordofan, including the Sudanese Armed Forces’ recapture of Al-Dalang and Kadugli.Reuters said its findings rely on satellite images showing the scale and layout of the camp, construction timelines, and related infrastructure, including recent upgrades at Assosa Airport to support drone operations. The agency cited eight Ethiopian security and military sources — including a senior government official — who confirmed the project and its purpose.The report states that funding and logistical backing for the camp came from the United Arab Emirates, according to those sources, and that Emirati military trainers and logistical support were provided to the site. Reuters said this information appears in an internal Ethiopian security memo and a diplomatic cable reviewed by the agency. At the same time, Reuters noted it was unable to independently verify the UAE’s role or the precise operational purpose of the camp.In response to Reuters’ request for comment, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the UAE is not a party to the Sudan conflict and does not participate “in any form” in combat operations.Reuters said it interviewed 15 sources familiar with the camp’s construction and operations, including Ethiopian officials and diplomats, and cross-checked their accounts against satellite imagery and documents. Two Ethiopian intelligence officials and satellite image analysis corroborated details contained in the internal memo and diplomatic cable, according to the report.Satellite images show accelerated expansion at the site over recent weeks, including new structures and ground-control facilities for unmanned aerial vehicles at a nearby airport. The camp is located in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region near the Sudan border, with activity increasing since October.Six officials told Reuters that most recruits at the camp are Ethiopian nationals, alongside Sudanese and South Sudanese fighters. The sources added that some trainees are linked to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N), which controls territory in neighboring Blue Nile State. Two officials said hundreds of trainees have already crossed into Blue Nile in recent weeks to support RSF operations there.The internal security memo reviewed by Reuters names Major General Getachew Gudina, head of defense intelligence in the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, as the official overseeing establishment of the camp. A senior Ethiopian government official and four diplomatic and security sources confirmed his role. Reuters said he did not respond to requests for comment.The agency reported that Ethiopian government, army, and RSF spokespersons did not respond to detailed questions regarding the findings. It added that on 6 January, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement calling for a ceasefire in Sudan and praising bilateral relations, including security cooperation. The Sudanese Armed Forces did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.A diplomatic cable dated November and reviewed by Reuters describes the camp as having capacity for up to 10,000 fighters, with activity beginning after the arrival of dozens of Land Cruiser vehicles, heavy trucks, RSF units, and Emirati trainers. Reuters said it is withholding the origin country of the cable to protect its source.Two officials said they observed trucks bearing the logo of UAE logistics firm Gorica Group traveling through Assosa toward the camp in October. The company did not respond to a request for comment. Reuters said it matched the timeline described in the diplomatic cable with satellite imagery records.Satellite images from Airbus Defence and Space show land clearing beginning in April, followed by construction of metal-roofed buildings north of the main camp area. From early November, images show rapid expansion, tent installations, and the presence of excavators and heavy equipment across the site, according to the report.BH/BH