🔗 Share this article

The United States has levied restrictions on a group of four people and four firms charged of hiring Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of committing genocide.

Network Composition

Announcing the restrictions on Tuesday, the US Treasury Department stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian citizens and firms.

Scores of ex-soldiers from Colombia have reportedly travelled to Sudan to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a group linked to horrific war crimes encompassing targeted ethnic killings and mass abductions.

Revelation of Role

The role of these mercenaries first came to light last year, following an investigation which found that over three hundred retired troops had been recruited to fight – an revelation that prompted an unprecedented apology from the Colombian government.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from years of internal conflict, familiarity with Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the contractors have reportedly trained underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "terrible and insane" but added that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and retired Colombian military officer operating from the Dubai. The Treasury said he had a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was similarly targeted.

Also on the penalty list was Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who authorities say ran a firm linked to processing money and salaries for the recruitment operation. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms linked to Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, totalling millions of US dollars," the government release said.

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

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to cease providing financial and military support to the combatants," the department announced.

Analyst Commentary

An expert, from a conflict think tank, described the actions as a "highly important" step, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the proper strategy".

She added that, the Colombian government has enacted a law endorsing the global treaty against mercenarism, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and change its security approach.

Sean McFate, a scholar on the subject, urged more caution, stating that "penalties are required yet incomplete for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and centered in the Emirates, which is largely insulated from sanctions," he commented. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.