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The Washington has enforced penalties on a network of several persons and entities accused of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of genocidal acts.

Network Composition

Announcing the restrictions on Tuesday, the Treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have allegedly journeyed to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Sudanese RSF militia, a group implicated in horrific war crimes such as massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The participation of ex-soldiers initially emerged in 2024, following an report which disclosed that more than 300 ex-military personnel had been hired to participate in the war – an revelation that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from the Colombian government.

Colombian ex-soldiers have long been considered as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience resulting from a long-running domestic war, training on advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the Colombians have reportedly trained minors, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. One source previously stated that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and former army officer operating from the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities said he had a central role in recruiting and deploying mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who the Treasury stated managed a business accused of managing finances and payments for the scheme. "Recently, companies in the United States linked to Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the Treasury statement stated.

Citizen of Colombia Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the firm she operated said to have conducted money transfers associated with Duque and his companies.

"Washington reiterates its demand for external actors to halt the flow of monetary and weaponry aid to the warring parties," the Treasury stated.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, from a conflict think tank, called the measures as a "very significant" step, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

Furthermore, Bogotá ratified a law approving the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce years of participation by its nationals in international fights and reshape its security approach.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, saying that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating widespread use of contractors".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in Dubai, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The UAE has been frequently alleged of arming the RSF, claims it rejects. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.