🔗 Share this article

The US government has enforced penalties on a group of several persons and entities alleged of enlisting South American contractors to support and educate a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Disclosing the sanctions on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the network was mostly comprised of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of retired Colombian troops have been recruited to go to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction implicated in horrific war crimes encompassing targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, following an investigation which found that more than 300 former soldiers had been contracted to engage in combat – an revelation that led to an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

Former Colombian military have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience resulting from decades of civil war, training on advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the contractors have been accused of teaching underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source was quoted as saying that training children was "awful and crazy" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier located in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities alleged he played a pivotal function in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say ran a firm linked to managing finances and payments for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States linked to Duque carried out several money transfers, worth millions," the government release stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be targeted, with the entity she oversaw accused of financial transactions linked to Duque and his businesses.

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

Expert Analysis

Elizabeth Dickinson, with the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "major" development, saying that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government ratified a law approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in international fights and reshape national security policy.

Another expert, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating rampant mercenarism".

"It operates in the black market and based out of Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been repeatedly implicated of arming the RSF, an accusation it has denied. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.