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The US government has levied restrictions on a network of four people and four firms charged of recruiting Colombian mercenaries to support and educate a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Network Composition

Announcing the measures on this week, the Treasury stated the network was primarily made up of Colombian nationals and companies.

Numerous of retired Colombian troops have been recruited to go to the conflict in Sudan to fight alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a faction linked to horrific war crimes such as massacres based on ethnicity and widespread kidnappings.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters initially emerged in 2024, prompted by an investigation which disclosed that hundreds of retired troops had been contracted to engage in combat – an event that prompted an unprecedented apology from the Colombian government.

Former Colombian military have widely regarded as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their extensive battlefield experience resulting from years of internal conflict, training on advanced weaponry, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed child soldiers, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. An individual involved was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but noted that "regrettably, war operates that way".

Sanctioned Individuals

Among those targeted was a dual national, a citizen of both Colombia and Italy and ex-soldier operating from the United Arab Emirates. The Treasury alleged he played a pivotal function in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His spouse, Claudia Oliveros, was similarly targeted.

Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual national who the Treasury stated managed a business accused of handling funds and payroll for the scheme. "In 2024 and 2025, companies in the United States associated with Duque conducted multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the official announcement noted.

Colombian national Mónica Muñoz was the other individual to be targeted, with the firm she operated accused of financial transactions linked to Duque and his operations.

"Washington reiterates its demand for foreign parties to stop giving financial and military support to the belligerents," the agency stated.

Expert Analysis

A senior analyst, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, described the sanctions as a "major" step, stating that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, Colombia ratified a statute endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in international fights and transform its security approach.

A mercenary specialist, an expert on mercenaries, advised additional measures, noting that "restrictions are needed but not enough for dealing with the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and operating from the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of supplying weapons to the paramilitary group, allegations it disputes. "Expect more Colombian mercenaries," McFate warned.