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The US government has enforced penalties on a operation of several persons and entities accused of hiring South American contractors to combat alongside and instruct a armed faction in Sudan which the US alleges of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Revealing the sanctions on this week, the Treasury stated the network was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have been recruited to go to Sudan to operate with the Sudanese RSF militia, a faction implicated in severe violations including targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Emergence of Involvement

The role of these mercenaries was first uncovered in 2024, prompted by an investigation which revealed that more than 300 retired troops had been hired to participate in the war – an event that resulted in an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

These South American veterans have historically been seen as highly prized fighters in conflict zones due to their vast combat experience acquired during decades of civil war, training on Western military gear, and high-level combat training.

Activities in Sudan

In Sudan, the Colombians have allegedly instructed underage fighters, provided drone warfare training, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved remarked that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Targeted Persons

Among those penalized was a retired Colombian officer, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier based in the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury accused him a key part in enlisting and transporting mercenaries to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the penalty list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a individual with Colombian and Spanish citizenship who officials alleged oversaw a company linked to handling funds and payroll for the recruitment operation. "Over the past two years, companies in the United States associated with Duque engaged in numerous wire transfers, amounting to millions," the Treasury statement said.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the final person to be targeted, with the firm she operated said to have conducted financial transactions connected to Duque and his operations.

"Washington reiterates its demand for outside forces to cease providing monetary and weaponry aid to the combatants," the department stated.

Analyst Commentary

Elizabeth Dickinson, from a conflict think tank, called the sanctions as a "very significant" milestone, noting that "identifying the recruiters is the right way to go".

It was also noted that, Bogotá ratified a law ratifying the International Convention Against the Recruitment and Use of Mercenaries, seeking to reduce decades of Colombian involvement in foreign conflicts and transform its security approach.

Another expert, a authority on private military contractors, urged more caution, stating that "restrictions are needed but not enough for combating rampant mercenarism".

"This is a shadow economy and based out of the UAE, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The Emirati government has been repeatedly implicated of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," he advised.