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The United States has enforced penalties on a network of several persons and entities alleged of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Announcing the measures on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the network was primarily made up of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction accused of severe violations such as massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries first came to light in 2024, following an investigation which revealed that over three hundred former soldiers had been recruited to engage in combat – an event that prompted an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have long been considered as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience acquired during years of internal conflict, familiarity with Nato equipment, and high-level combat training.

Role in the Conflict

In the Sudanese theater, the contractors have allegedly instructed underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. A mercenary remarked that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those penalized was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and ex-soldier based in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities alleged he played a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say managed a business linked to handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "Recently, US-based firms connected to Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the company she managed alleged to have money transfers connected to Duque and his operations.

"The US once more urges external actors to stop giving financial and military support to the warring parties," the department said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, labeled the sanctions as a "major" development, noting that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".

She added that, Colombia has enacted a piece of legislation approving the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit its citizens' long history in foreign conflicts and change domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, a scholar on the subject, called for greater wariness, saying that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for dealing with widespread use of contractors".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, an accusation it has denied. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," the expert cautioned.