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The US government has imposed sanctions on a group of several persons and entities charged of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a militia force in Sudan that Washington accuses of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Announcing the restrictions on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the operation was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Scores of former Colombian military personnel have allegedly journeyed to the Sudanese warzone to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a group linked to severe violations including massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The role of these mercenaries initially emerged in 2024, prompted by an report which revealed that hundreds of former soldiers had been hired to participate in the war – an event that prompted an unusual statement of regret from Colombia’s foreign ministry.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience acquired during years of internal conflict, training on Western military gear, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the Colombians have reportedly trained minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "awful and crazy" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Named Entities

Among those sanctioned was a dual national, a dual Colombian-Italian national and former army officer located in the United Arab Emirates. The government accused him a key part in hiring and sending former Colombian soldiers 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 ran a firm linked to handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, American entities associated with Duque carried out numerous wire transfers, worth millions," the official announcement stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be penalized, with the firm she operated alleged to have wire transfers connected to Duque and his companies.

"The US once more urges outside forces to halt the flow of funding and arms to the belligerents," the agency announced.

Analyst Commentary

An expert, from a conflict think tank, called the sanctions as a "very significant" milestone, saying that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Bogotá ratified a piece of legislation ratifying the global treaty against mercenarism, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and transform its security approach.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for combating the growing mercenary trade".

"It’s an illicit economy and based out of the Emirates, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The Emirati government has been widely accused of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.