US Imposes Sanctions on Group Alleged of Recruiting Colombian Fighters to Sudan.

The United States has enforced penalties on a operation of four individuals and four companies accused of hiring South American contractors to fight for and train a armed faction in Sudan that Washington accuses of committing genocide.

Group Makeup

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

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have been recruited to go to the Sudanese warzone to fight alongside the RSF paramilitary group, a force linked to horrific war crimes such as ethnically targeted slaughter and mass abductions.

Revelation of Role

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light the previous year, prompted by an inquiry which disclosed that hundreds of retired troops had been contracted to fight – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience acquired during a long-running domestic war, familiarity with Nato equipment, and elite military instruction.

Reported Actions

In the conflict, the Colombians have reportedly trained underage fighters, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and fought directly on the frontlines. One source previously stated that working with child soldiers was "awful and crazy" but commented that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer located in the UAE. The government alleged he played a central role in enlisting and transporting former Colombian soldiers to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was also sanctioned.

Also on the sanctions list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual national who officials alleged managed a business linked to handling funds and payroll for the network. "In 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with Duque carried out several money transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement stated.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be penalized, with the firm she operated accused of money transfers linked to Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on external actors to halt the flow of financial and military support to the belligerents," the agency stated.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, with the International Crisis Group, called the actions as a "very significant" step, noting that "targeting the enablers is the proper strategy".

Furthermore, Bogotá has enacted a statute endorsing the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, aiming to curb years of participation by its nationals in overseas wars and change domestic defense strategy.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, saying that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with rampant mercenarism".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The UAE has been frequently alleged of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," McFate warned.