🔗 Share this article

The US government has levied restrictions on a network of four individuals and four companies accused of hiring South American contractors to fight for and train a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Group Makeup

Announcing the measures on this week, the American treasury stated the network was mostly comprised of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Numerous of ex-soldiers from Colombia have been recruited to go to Sudan to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a force implicated in horrific war crimes such as targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Emergence of Involvement

The involvement of Colombian fighters first came to light in 2024, prompted by an inquiry which found that hundreds of ex-military personnel had been recruited to fight – an event that prompted an unprecedented apology 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 decades of civil war, familiarity with Western military gear, and high-level combat training.

Activities in Sudan

In the conflict, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed child soldiers, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and former army officer operating from the UAE. The US authorities said he had a pivotal function in hiring and sending mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was also sanctioned.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque conducted several money transfers, amounting to millions," the government release said.

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

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to halt the flow of funding and arms to the warring parties," the Treasury announced.

Analyst Commentary

An expert, with the International Crisis Group, described the sanctions as a "major" step, stating that "identifying the recruiters is the correct approach".

She added that, Bogotá has enacted a piece of legislation endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, designed to limit decades of Colombian involvement in international fights and transform domestic defense strategy.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, called for greater wariness, noting that "sanctions are necessary but insufficient for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"This is a shadow economy and operating from Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he stated. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, allegations it disputes. "More contractors from Colombia are likely," he advised.