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The US government has imposed sanctions on a network of four people and four firms charged of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to fight for and train a militia force in Sudan which the US alleges of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Revealing the sanctions on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to combat beside the Sudanese RSF militia, a group implicated in horrific war crimes such as ethnically targeted slaughter and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

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

These South American veterans have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Reported Actions

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and engaged in frontline combat. One source remarked that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but commented that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Named Entities

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and retired Colombian military officer operating from the Dubai. The Treasury alleged he played a central role in hiring and sending ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged oversaw a company linked to handling funds and payroll for the network. "Over the past two years, American entities associated with Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, amounting to millions," the official announcement stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the final person to be penalized, with the company she managed accused of money transfers associated with Duque and his companies.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to cease providing financial and military support to the warring parties," the agency said in a statement.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, with the International Crisis Group, called the measures as a "highly important" step, saying that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Bogotá recently passed a law ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, seeking to reduce its citizens' long history in overseas wars and change domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, a scholar on the subject, advised additional measures, noting that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"It operates in the black market and operating from Dubai, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he stated. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.