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The US government has levied restrictions on a group of several persons and entities charged of enlisting former Colombian soldiers to combat alongside and instruct a militia force in Sudan the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Group Makeup

Announcing the restrictions on this week, the US Treasury Department stated the scheme was largely composed of individuals and businesses from Colombia.

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have reportedly travelled to Sudan to combat beside the RSF paramilitary group, a group accused of severe violations including targeted ethnic killings and large-scale abductions.

Discovery of Participation

The involvement of Colombian fighters initially emerged in 2024, after an report which revealed that more than 300 former soldiers had been hired to participate in the war – an revelation that prompted an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

Former Colombian military have long been considered as some of the most in-demand contractors globally due to their vast combat experience acquired during years of internal conflict, knowledge of Western military gear, and elite military instruction.

Role in the Conflict

In the Sudanese theater, the mercenaries have allegedly instructed child soldiers, taught fighters to pilot drones, and fought directly on the frontlines. A mercenary was quoted as saying that instructing minors was "horrific and irrational" but added that "sadly, that is the nature of conflict".

Targeted Persons

Among those sanctioned was Álvaro Andrés Quijano Becerra, a individual with dual citizenship and ex-soldier located in the UAE. The Treasury accused him a pivotal function in hiring and sending mercenaries to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, was penalized as well.

Also on the restricted list was Mateo Andrés Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say managed a business linked to handling funds and payroll for the network. "Over the past two years, American entities associated with Duque carried out multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the Treasury statement stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the fourth individual to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw said to have conducted wire transfers connected to Duque and his operations.

"The United States again calls on foreign parties to halt the flow of financial and military support to the combatants," the agency announced.

Analyst Commentary

An expert, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, called the sanctions as a "major" development, noting that "targeting the enablers is the right way to go".

Furthermore, the Colombian government has enacted a law ratifying the anti-mercenary convention, designed to limit years of participation by its nationals in foreign conflicts and reshape its security approach.

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries, called for greater wariness, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing widespread use of contractors".

"It’s an illicit economy and centered in the Emirates, which is difficult to penalize," he commented. The Emirati government has been frequently alleged of providing arms to the militia, allegations it disputes. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.