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The US government has enforced penalties on a group of several persons and entities alleged of enlisting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Operation Structure

Announcing the sanctions on Tuesday, the American treasury stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian citizens and firms.

Numerous of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to go to the Sudanese warzone to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction linked to horrific war crimes encompassing massacres based on ethnicity and mass abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged last year, after an investigation which found that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been recruited to participate in the war – an revelation that led to an rare mea culpa from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have widely regarded as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience gleaned from a long-running domestic war, knowledge of advanced weaponry, and high-level combat training.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the contractors have been accused of teaching child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and engaged in frontline combat. A mercenary previously stated that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but commented that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was a dual national, a individual with dual citizenship and former army officer located in the UAE. The Treasury accused him a central role in recruiting and deploying mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities associated with Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the official announcement said.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be penalized, with the firm she operated alleged to have financial transactions associated with Duque and his operations.

"Washington reiterates its demand for foreign parties to stop giving funding and arms to the combatants," the department announced.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the actions as a "major" milestone, stating that "targeting the enablers is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Bogotá ratified a law ratifying the global treaty against mercenarism, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and change its security approach.

Sean McFate, a authority on private military contractors, urged more caution, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for combating rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," McFate warned.