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The United States has imposed sanctions on a operation of several persons and entities accused of recruiting former Colombian soldiers to support and educate a Sudanese paramilitary group the United States claims of acts of genocide.

Group Makeup

Announcing the restrictions on this week, the American treasury stated the scheme was largely composed of Colombian nationals and companies.

Hundreds of ex-soldiers from Colombia have reportedly travelled to Sudan to operate with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a force implicated in severe violations including targeted ethnic killings and widespread kidnappings.

Revelation of Role

The participation of ex-soldiers first came to light in 2024, following an report which revealed that more than 300 former soldiers had been contracted to participate in the war – an revelation that prompted an unusual statement of regret from officials in Bogotá.

Colombian ex-soldiers have widely regarded as among the world’s most sought-after mercenaries due to their vast combat experience acquired during years of internal conflict, familiarity with advanced weaponry, and superior tactical education.

Role in the Conflict

In the conflict, the mercenaries have been accused of teaching minors, instructed militiamen in drone operation, and participated in direct battles. One source was quoted as saying that working with child soldiers was "horrific and irrational" but added that "unfortunately that’s how war is".

Named Entities

Among those targeted was a retired Colombian officer, a dual Colombian-Italian national and ex-soldier located in the United Arab Emirates. The US authorities accused him a central role in enlisting and transporting ex-military personnel to Sudan. His wife, Claudia Oliveros, was penalized as well.

Also on the sanctions list was Duque Botero, a dual Colombian-Spanish citizen who authorities say oversaw a company linked to handling funds and payroll for the network. "Over the past two years, American entities linked to Duque engaged in multiple financial transactions, worth millions," the Treasury statement stated.

Individual Mónica Muñoz Ucros was the other individual to be penalized, with the entity she oversaw accused of financial transactions connected to Duque and his businesses.

"The United States again calls on outside forces to stop giving funding and arms to the warring parties," the department stated.

Reaction

Elizabeth Dickinson, from a conflict think tank, labeled the sanctions as a "major" development, saying that "calling out those who are doing the contracting is the correct approach".

It was also noted that, the Colombian government recently passed a law endorsing the anti-mercenary convention, aiming to curb decades of Colombian involvement in foreign conflicts and change national security policy.

Another expert, a scholar on the subject, advised additional measures, saying that "penalties are required yet incomplete for addressing the growing mercenary trade".

"It operates in the black market and based out of Dubai, which is relatively sanction-proof," he said. The United Arab Emirates has been widely accused of providing arms to the militia, claims it rejects. "This trend will probably continue," he advised.