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The US government has levied restrictions on a network of several persons and entities alleged of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Group Makeup

Revealing the sanctions on this week, the Treasury stated the scheme was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a group accused of horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries first came to light in 2024, after an inquiry which found that over three hundred ex-military personnel had been recruited to participate in the war – an discovery that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their considerable warzone knowledge resulting from a long-running domestic war, knowledge of Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the Colombians have been accused of teaching minors, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. An individual involved was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and ex-soldier located in the Dubai. The government accused him a central role in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who the Treasury stated managed a business linked to processing money and salaries for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities connected to Duque engaged in several money transfers, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement noted.

Individual Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be penalized, with the company she managed alleged to have wire transfers linked to Duque and his companies.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to stop giving funding and arms to the warring parties," the department said in a statement.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the sanctions as a "major" milestone, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".

She added that, Colombia ratified a piece of legislation ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and reshape domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, advised additional measures, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for addressing rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and operating from Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The UAE has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, an accusation it has denied. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.