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The US government has levied restrictions on a group of four people and four firms accused of hiring former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Announcing the restrictions on this week, the American treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have been recruited to go to the conflict in Sudan to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a force accused of severe violations including ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, following an investigation which disclosed that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been contracted to participate in the war – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Nato equipment, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed minors, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved previously stated that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but commented that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and retired Colombian military officer based in the Dubai. The Treasury said he had a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who officials alleged oversaw a company implicated in managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "Recently, companies in the United States linked to Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the official announcement stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the firm she operated accused of financial transactions associated with Duque and his businesses.

"Washington reiterates its demand for external actors to halt the flow of funding and arms to the belligerents," the Treasury stated.

Reaction

An expert, from a conflict think tank, labeled the sanctions as a "highly important" milestone, noting that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government recently passed a law ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, designed to limit its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and reshape its security approach.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, advised additional measures, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"This is a shadow economy and operating from the UAE, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The UAE has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.