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The Washington has enforced penalties on a network of four individuals and four companies alleged of hiring former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Group Makeup

Disclosing the sanctions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the scheme was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have reportedly travelled to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a force accused of severe violations such as targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged in 2024, following an report which found that over three hundred ex-military personnel had been recruited to participate in the war – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

Former Colombian military have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience gleaned from years of internal conflict, familiarity with Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Activities in Sudan

In the Sudanese theater, the Colombians have been accused of teaching underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and engaged in frontline combat. A mercenary remarked that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Named Entities

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and former army officer based in the UAE. The US authorities alleged he played a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who the Treasury stated oversaw a company accused of processing money and salaries for the recruitment operation. "Recently, American entities linked to Duque conducted numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the government release said.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw said to have conducted money transfers connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The US once more urges foreign parties to cease providing funding and arms to the belligerents," the department said in a statement.

Reaction

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "highly important" milestone, stating that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy".

Furthermore, the Colombian government recently passed a law ratifying the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and transform domestic defense strategy.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, urged more caution, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and based out of Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he stated. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," McFate warned.